Boost to Azimio Camp as MP Launches Gubernatorial Bid Under Jubilee Party

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Turkana South Member of Parliament (MP), James Lomenen, on Thursday launched his gubernatorial bid in Lodwar on the Jubilee Party.

Lomenen said he will be contesting on a Jubilee ticket under the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, where he is expected to face-off with immediate former Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary, John Munyes, in the party primaries.

Lomenen took the opportunity to dismiss allegations of party hoping, saying he was shopping for the best party for his County.

He has in the last few months joined UDA, UPIA before moving back to Jubilee this month the party that he used to vie in 2017 election.

Lomenen exuded confidence that Azimio la Umoja, will win the presidential contest.

“In 2017 Jubilee beat NASA and now that the two main parties in the 2017 contest have teamed-up with other parties how we can be beaten?” he posed.

He took a swipe at Munyes who has held various portfolios in cabinet including Petroleum and mining saying he did not employ county residents.

He said the people of Jubilee party are ready for nominations and called on the party national office not to interfere with the elections. He also dispelled allegations that he would end up being a deputy governor.

On oil matters which was a campaign issue in 2017, Lomenen said the oil refinery will be set up in the County to create jobs for the locals.

“We will not allow for our oil to be transported to Lamu yet our people are jobless, it is a shame,” he said.

In the last polls, oil revenue formula was a campaign issue and those who rooted for 10 percent allocation to the County and community made it to parliament.

The two-term Legislator said he would prioritize security, livestock, fishing and tourism sectors.

“I will ensure that residents travel safely and conduct their business uninterrupted,” he said.

He pledged to set up a livestock factory in Lodwar and ensure meat and other livestock products are processed in the County before being sold to other parts of the Country.

Lomenen said he would revive the Kalokol Fish Factory within his first year in office and also promised to set up a donkey slaughter factory, that will create employment for the residents.