Governor Lusaka breaks silence on Bungoma succession race
By Mabonga Makhanu, August 26, 2025Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has announced that he will name his successor when the right time comes.
Speaking in Bungoma during an event on Monday, August 25, 2025, the two-term governor cautioned residents against rushing to make early judgments or conclusions on who should lead the county after his exit in 2027. He urged them to carry out a proper evaluation, even suggesting the use of a SWOT analysis in assessing the suitability of candidates.
With the gubernatorial race already taking shape and attracting Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Lusaka warned residents that political dynamics are often unpredictable.
Drawing from his own experience, having lost once and been elected twice, he stated that public celebrations and popularity during campaigns do not always translate into votes.
“When the electorate celebrates you, as I am seeing them doing to one of the hopefuls, it doesn’t mean they will vote for you. It’s only after the votes are cast that you know the true colours of the people,” Lusaka said.
Citing his 2017 loss to former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati as an example.
“I will name my successor when the time comes. When assessing who to vote for, use the SWOT analysis to determine who is most appropriate to take the county forward. Do not vote for a leader just because he has clout or is popular. And for any leader who thinks he is popular, let them wait for the ballot outcome or ask me what I went through in 2017.” He added.
He further remarked that some of the candidates in the race are merely “escorting others to win”.
Bungoma Gubernatorial Race
The contest comes at a time when many Bungoma leaders have started taking sides on who should succeed Lusaka. Initially, the race was relatively calm until Tim Wanyonyi announced that he would contest for the Bungoma governorship in 2027.
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Many leaders, especially those from FORD-Kenya, had earlier pledged support for Didmus Barasa, who declared his gubernatorial bid soon after being elected MP. However, in recent months, divisions have emerged, with several shifting their support towards Tim Wanyonyi.
The most notable shift came from Sirisia MP John Waluke, who once championed Didmus Barasa’s candidacy but has since switched allegiance to Tim Wanyonyi. Waluke even assured Wanyonyi that his Sirisia constituency was fully behind him, adding that he would not need to campaign there as he would sail through unopposed.