NASA's Makali exerts pressure on Wetangula in Bungoma backyard

Makali, who is running for the Bungoma senatorial seat in the upcoming August polls, quit the Labour Party of Kenya on Monday through a voluntarily exit.

Critics argue that the former TV pundit could be racing up to beat the deadline by the IEBC’s set for next week Monday, that require political parties to submit their aspirants names.

Already Amani National Congress (ANC) on Monday announced that it is ready to hold its party primaries between April 6th to April 20th, 2017 in over 38 counties across the country.

Also Read: PRO-NASA MAKALI QUITS LABOUR PARTY

"I thank you for the chance to do what we did and for your support in rebuilding and re-branding the party during the six months period I served," Makali told the media after submitting his resignition.

"I wish you and the party success in your future endeavors," he continued, adding he will be available to help the party transit from the state.

The resignation of Makali comes even as the Political Parties Tribunal on Friday (last week) axed his self-proclaimed party leader and Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba.

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Namwamba was on Friday bared from contacting any business on behalf of the party, putting him at a political cross road, few months after he ditched Raila Odinga’s ODM.

Critics say that Makali's rivalry with Ababu Namwamba began after he was kicked out of the party over links with Opposition leader Raila Odinga and newly formed NASA.

He reportedly told the party's NEC meeting that he has had several meetings with Raila who indicated his willingness to work with former ally Ababu.

On March 4, the politician said Ababu was a stranger to the party and only wanted to use it to make quick cash.

The Political Parties Tribunal barred Ababu from conducting activities for Labour Party of Kenya, which he relaunched last September to unite Luhyas and fully represent them.

He said he was still a full member of LPK despite the tribunal's ruling that effectively left him party-less.

"I am today joining the NASA coalition through ANC. I believe the Opposition offers hope for this country and will work towards realising that dream," he said.

Makali sought the Bungoma senate seat as an independent candidate during the 2013 by-election but lost to Wetang'ula.

"I am joining ANC after long consultations with its leadership and the people of Bungoma. ANC is a party whose ethos fit with my aspirations," he said.

"I will join hands with the national and local ANC leaders to strengthen the party."

While welcoming Makali at the ANC party offices in Nairobi, Bungoma branch secretary Martin Waliaula lauded the move and promised to lobby grassroots support for his senator bid.