Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has stated that the by-election held in Chwele-Kabuchai has changed the political landscape of Bungoma County.

The MP made the remarks during a roadside rally at Kimaeti Market on Friday, November 28, 2025, following the resounding loss of the Moses Wetang’ula-led Ford Kenya party in the Chwele-Kabuchai ward competition..

The Kimilili legislator, who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2027, said that Bungoma politics have changed completely.

He noted that county residents are tired of politicians who continue to sell hope without taking action and are instead seeking leaders who provide tangible solutions to their problems.

“Siasa ya Bungoma sasa imebadilika; watu wa Bungoma wamekataa watu wa kuleta, watu wa Bungoma wamekataa viongozi ambao wameendelea kuuza matumaini, miaka nenda miaka rudi, wanataka suluhisho,” Barasa said.

He went on to state that, based on the outcome of Chwele-Kabuchai, he will no longer follow a leader but the people, since they are the ones who elect whom they want.

“From now onwards, what we saw in Chwele-Kabuchai shows that it’s the people who decide who to lead them and where to go; it’s the people who know,” he added.

These remarks came a day after Wetang’ula lost in the by-elections in his home ward, where the area MP Majimbo Kalasinga, with whom he has been at loggerheads, saw his candidate, Erick Wekesa, running on an independent ticket, defeat Wetang’ula’s preferred candidate, Vincent Maunda of Ford Kenya, decisively.

Wetang’ula’s influence in Bungoma

The statements also come at a time when Barasa is facing challenges within Ford Kenya following the entry of Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi into Bungoma politics.

With Wanyonyi declaring interest in the Bungoma seat and most MPs elected on Ford Kenya tickets throwing their support behind him, Barasa finds himself politically isolated.

These remarks carry weight considering Wetang’ula’s historical influence in the county. Since 2013, he has largely influenced who becomes governor, and anyone opposing him has often lost.

This was evident in 2017 when Governor Ken Lusaka differed with him, leading to a decisive loss to Wafula Wangamati after he clashed with Wetang’ula during his tenure. Similar dynamics played out in 2022.

However, after losing in his home ward, it appears that political dynamics in Bungoma are slowly shifting, and Wetang’ula may no longer enjoy the automatic support he once commanded.