Ruto heads to Busia as Sifuna’s wave sweeps Trans Nzoia and Bungoma
By David Nthua, July 26, 2026President William Ruto is attending the consecration and enthronement of Vitalis Job Ekuru as the fourth bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya’s Katakwa Diocese in Amagoro, Busia County, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Ekuru succeeds Rt. Reverend John Okude, who retired on February 28, 2026, after attaining the mandatory retirement age.
He was elected the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Katakwa Diocese following a closely contested election by the Provincial Electoral College.
The 23-member Electoral College signalled the outcome with songs of praise after overwhelmingly electing Ekuru in the second round of voting, ending a stalemate that had lasted for over two hours.
Ekuru defeated fellow contenders Ven. Moses Idewa and Reverenf Cain Emojong.
Sifuna in western
At the same time, the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi movement is holding rallies in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.
The team started with a church service before visiting Kiminini, Kimilili and Chwele. The tour will end with a rally at Posta Grounds in Bungoma Town.
The two events have placed Western Kenya at the centre of growing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sifuna accuses Ruto of undermining counties
During the Linda Mwananchi tour, Sifuna accused Ruto of frustrating county governments by withholding adequate funding.
He directed the remarks at Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka.
“Lusaka kama Governor unajua adui mkubwa wa ugatuzi, yule mtu amekufinyilia kama Governor ni William Ruto,” Sifuna said.
“Sisi kwa Senate tukijaribu kusukuma pesa ikuje hapa chini, yule mtu ambaye anakataa kupea magatuzi yetu pesa ni William Ruto.”
Sifuna also returned to the Affordable Housing Programme and Ruto’s controversial directive to police officers dealing with violent protesters.
“Unajenga affordable housing alafu unapeana ‘shoot-to-leg directive’, tulikuwa tufike aje kwa ghorofa bila mguu?” Sifuna posed.
Ruto and Sifuna renew housing dispute
Sifuna had questioned how residents would keep chickens while living on the upper floors of 12-storey buildings.
Ruto dismissed the argument during a meeting at State House on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
“So you are telling us not to build affordable houses because your chicken cannot get to the 12th floor? I have said it before, there are people without brains. How do you even say something like that?” Ruto said.
Sifuna later responded through his social media accounts.
“Arguing with me about chicken matters is like arguing with Methu about potatoes,” he said.
Ruto’s Busia visit and Linda Mwananchi’s Bungoma rally come as both government and opposition leaders intensify efforts to win Western Kenya voters before 2027.