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Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has reiterated his ambitions for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat, downplaying calls of engaging in premature succession debates.

Speaking during a gathering in Kabuchai Constituency on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Barasa expressed confidence that he will clinch the seat and lead the county.

The UDA legislator asserted that his record on development and leadership are enough credentials for the position.

“I am asking for your support that we walk together in 2027. We have someone who says it’s too early to talk of 2027 claiming you never know if you’ll reach that far,” Barasa said

“For those who hold such I say that up to them. For me, 2027 I will be there by the grace of God. I will even have added a few kilograms. The bible says that the desires of your heart is what God grants to a man,” he added dismissing those terming his bid a premature exercise.

The race to succeed Ken Lusaka as Bungoma Governor is expected to attract other aspirants who are yet to express their interest publicly.

However, the landscape is likely to change in a couple of years as political realignment and regional and party politics come into play.

Interestingly, Lusaka’s rise to the throne followed after a belated but ultimately well-calculated political move in 2022. The then senate speaker joined Ford Kenya in March and ultimately turned the tables on the incumbent Wycliffe Wangamati.

Lusaka overturned tables on Wangamati in the race by garnering a total of 244, 298 votes against his competitor Wangamati of DAP-K party who bagged 137,378 votes.

Meanwhile, Barasa, who looks certain of cementing his cradle base in Kimilili, faces a tough task ahead in convincing the electorates beyond his stronghold.

The second term MP has already been traversing across the 12 sub-sub-counties in the western region in an early charm offensive campaign.

Bumula, Tongaren, Webuye Town, Webuye- east and West, and Mount Elgon are among the sub-counties in the territory.

The latter boasts of a strong allegiance to President William Ruto in what could prove pivotal to Barasa’s fortunes owing to his close ties with the president.

Baraza, however, affirms that his past record and leadership acumen places him as the best candidate for the role.

“I have told the people of Kimilili including my those of my clans not to vote for me because I’m one of their own. They should vote me in because if have the vision and capacity to change their lives, he stated.

Equally important is how the MP will be perceived by those he seeks to entrust him with the affairs of the county.

The politician has always come across as an outspoken and daring individual who never shies from making controversial statements and rhetoric.