Speculation Over Eric Wekesa’s Alleged Withdrawal Quashed as His Camp Clarifies Viral Photo

Speculation has been rife across Chwele–Kabuchai Ward after a photo of independent candidate Hon. Eric Wekesa sharing a moment with Ford Kenya leaders at a hotel circulated online, sparking claims that he had stepped down from the by-election race.

The image, which quickly made rounds on social media, was widely interpreted by supporters of Ford Kenya as confirmation that Wekesa had thrown his weight behind their candidate, Hon. Vincent Maunda.

However, Wekesa’s camp has moved swiftly to clear the air, dismissing the reports as misleading propaganda. According to Kabuchai Member of Parliament Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga, the encounter was purely coincidental and had no political implication.

Majimbo explained that Eric Wekesa had stopped at Noor Café in Kanduyi to have a cup of tea when the Ford Kenya team happened to arrive.

As a mature, respectful leader, Wekesa reportedly walked over to greet them—a gesture interpreted by his camp as one of courtesy, not political alignment.

“Eric was simply having tea like any other resident. When his opponents arrived, he did what any well-raised leader would do—greet them. Those allied to Wetang’ula are now spreading the photo claiming he has stepped down, which is completely false,” Majimbo stated.

He further accused Ford Kenya supporters of attempting to manipulate the narrative to weaken Wekesa’s growing influence in the race. Majimbo confidently described Wekesa as the “incoming MCA for Chwele-Kabuchai,” urging Ford Kenya’s camp to “change tactics before it is too late.”

Wekesa’s team has assured supporters that he remains firmly in the race and has not endorsed any opponent. They have urged residents to ignore what they termed as desperate propaganda.