Monrovia – Aaron Kpehe, Secretary General of the Team Kennedy/Dunor campaign in the upcoming Federation of Lofa Associations in the Americas (FLAA) elections, has dismissed media reports claiming that Lofa County District 3 Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto’s endorsement of James Saywala Kennedy has triggered backlash among Liberians in the diaspora.
A report published on June 12, by a Liberian media outlet alleged that Kpoto’s endorsement had caused division and controversy ahead of the FLAA elections, scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ohio.
Kpehe described the reports as “misleading” and accused the media of failing to verify the facts. He clarified that Representative Kpoto’s endorsement of Kennedy was made in a personal capacity.
“It is true that Representative Kpoto endorsed Mr. James Saywala Kennedy, but he did so strictly in his personal capacity, not in his official role as a lawmaker,” Kpehe stated.
He also denied allegations that Kennedy and his team were not properly vetted by the FLAA Elections Commission. According to Kpehe, the team underwent a full verification process, including a Zoom call led by Elections Commission Chairman Asumana Pelima to confirm the identity and residency of each team member.
In contrast, Kpehe claimed that rival candidate Minerva Grant and her team were not subjected to the same vetting procedures. He alleged that their clearance was based on a signature from the President of the FLAA Minnesota Chapter obtained under questionable circumstances.
Addressing concerns over candidate residency, Kpehe cited the FLAA constitution, which he said allows any registered member in the U.S. to contest elections as long as they meet their chapter’s requirements. He referenced the example of current Deputy Gender Minister Garmai Tokpah, who resided in Tennessee but was elected through the New Jersey Chapter.
Kpehe called on the media to verify information before publication, urging responsible journalism in reporting on diaspora issues.
The FLAA elections in Columbus have drawn significant interest from Liberians across the United States, highlighting a growing focus on leadership within the diaspora community.
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