Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi, who has declared his intention to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the next election, has outlined his plan to make public participation and inclusivity key pillars of his administration.

Addressing a gathering in Bukembe, Bungoma County, on Monday, August 11, 2025, Wanyonyi said that leadership must be guided by the voices and needs of the people rather than imposing decisions from the top.

He explained that county residents should have the opportunity to express their views and priorities and that his leadership would ensure their input shapes government action.

“Because if I don’t listen to you nitakuwa Nafanya nini, nikuje tu hapa niseme hapa mnahitaji hii kitu and that is not what you want. You need to express yourself na hio ndio tunaenda kufanya.” Tim said

He stated that, if elected, his administration would place public participation as the first priority and inclusivity as the second, stressing the need for every resident to feel represented and valued in county governance. He added that under his leadership, no one in Bungoma should feel marginalised or excluded from the development agenda.

Wanyonyi emphasised that his vision for Bungoma County is rooted in open engagement, equitable representation, and an inclusive approach that leaves no group behind in the county’s social and economic progress.

“Nikiwa katika uongozi wa kaunti ya Bungoma, nitaweka mambo kadhaa mbele. Kitu cha kwanza ni public participation, kitu cha pili ni inclusivity. I don’t want to hear anybody in Bungoma saying we are marginalised,” he added.

Political tolerance

This comes a day after his worthy opponent, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, urged his constituents not to be hostile towards his political opponent, Tim Wanyonyi, whom they are eyeing for the same seat.

Speaking in his constituency during a fundraiser attended by both himself and Tim Wanyonyi on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Barasa called on residents to welcome and embrace Wanyonyi whenever he visits Kimilili.

He noted that despite both of them vying for the same seat, there is no need for conflict, as the election should not be a source of violence or unnecessary propaganda.

Didmus added that he had been warmly received when he visited Wanyonyi’s area and that the people ultimately hold the power to decide who will lead them.

“Na mimi naambia watu wa Kimilili hara kama mimi pia nataka kuwa Governor wa Bungoma, pamaoja na huyu Rafiki yangu Tim wanyonyi, tunataka kuwa Governor wa Bungoma; akikuja hapa mmpende mkaribishe vizuri; hata mimi nilienda kwao nikakaribishwa vijuri, na hii kura Hainan vita, wananchi hawa wako na ability kuliko mimi mwenyewe.” Didmus stated