Didmus Barasa walks out of funeral as he renews rivalry with Sifuna
By David Nthua, July 5, 2026A burial ceremony in Bungoma County turned into a political showdown on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
This is after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa exchanged sharp attacks over President William Ruto’s administration, the 2027 General Election and the opposition’s plans for the region.
The confrontation occurred during the burial of Eric Wamboka, the brother of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, at Siboti in Bumula Constituency.
Speaking first, Sifuna defended the opposition’s campaign against President Ruto and accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing Kenyans.
“There are reasons we are saying Ruto must go. He is manufacturing victims of police violence more than he can compensate them.
“I am tired as an opposition leader. Every day you wake up to cases of doctors, teachers, and Ebola. Even if opposition is meant to keep the government in check, this one is giving us a difficult job,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna targets Barasa
The Nairobi senator then turned his attention to Barasa, who has declared interest in the Bungoma governor’s seat.
Sifuna criticised Barasa’s record in Parliament and accused him of using money to influence voters.
“Barasa, you cannot go to Parliament and pass a bill that oppresses Kenyans, and then on Friday, you walk to a bank, take loose Ksh100 notes and distribute them to people.
“You then go ahead and post on the internet that people do not want Sifuna. We have known you, and for that reason, you will be the last person to leave this funeral,” he said.
Sifuna also announced that the Linda Mwananchi movement would hold a major political rally in Bungoma later in July 2026.
“We are going to organise a major meeting here in Bungoma. What you will tell me to say, I will do in Nairobi. I just want you to be patient because this is a chance of a lifetime and we have a responsibility to answer to the call of our generation,” he said.
Barasa walks away
When he took to the podium, Barasa responded by praising Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi before questioning his political alignment.
“If there is a person in this team whom I respect so much for his intelligence, it is Osotsi. He is in Sifuna’s team to calculate his chances and benefits, not that he loves him,” Barasa said.
The remarks drew loud reactions from mourners, interrupting his speech.
“Everyone has a right to speak, and if you are coming to beat me, then let me drop the microphone and leave,” Barasa stated before walking away from the podium.
Earlier in his remarks, Barasa defended his engagement with residents, saying his financial support for them was driven by generosity rather than political opportunism.
He also recounted being raised by a widowed mother in a poor family.
The exchange marked one of the sharpest public confrontations between Kenya Kwanza and Linda Mwananchi leaders in Western Kenya as political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to intensify.