Lonyangapuo declares interest in recapturing West Pokot governor seat
By Mabonga Makhanu, September 16, 2025Former West Pokot Governor John Lonyang’apuo has announced a comeback for the gubernatorial seat in 2027.
While speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, September 15, 2025, the former governor stated that he has been on a hiatus since failing to secure re-election in 2022 but expressed confidence in his 2027 bid.
He explained that his decision to defend the seat, which he lost to Simon Kachapin, stems from his desire to complete the development agenda he had initiated while in office. According to him, West Pokot residents are eagerly waiting for his return so that he can finish what he started.
“That is to announce that the professor is still around, and since I never offended anybody in West Pokot and Kenya and democracy spoke that I should go, it didn’t mean that I should go forever. i have an agenda which was not complete, which was not accomplished, and West Pokot is waiting for my return.”
Lonyang’apuo further expressed confidence in his bid, noting that this time he understands better what needs to be done. He added that many West Pokot locals are dissatisfied with the current county leadership and have been drawing comparisons between his administration and the present one, identifying gaps and reaching out to him on how the county is being run.
“People can clearly see what the professor do to us, and why they should go back for him and come and complete it. i was the only leader who, after being told to go and rest, went to rest. I hear a lot; they come and tell me a lot. I don’t say that they really miss me, but it is something close to that.”
2022 election outcome
The former governor, who was defeated by a margin of 1,800 votes, revealed that he had the option of challenging the election outcome in court, as some candidates did, but chose instead to accept the results and respect the decision of the voters.
On why he defected from Azimio to join Kenya Kwanza immediately after the 2022 polls, Lonyang’apuo explained that his move was informed by the announcement of the winner. He said he found it wise to support the winning candidate, unlike his coalition, which opted to protest the election outcome, an approach he disagreed with.