Tim Wanyonyi’s entry shifts gears in Bungoma race
By Tony Wafula, July 14, 2025A new political tide is sweeping across Bungoma following Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi’s decision to shift his gubernatorial ambitions from Nairobi to the border county.
Wanyonyi’s unexpected move has unsettled Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and immediate former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, both of whom had already launched campaigns to replace Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who is serving his second and final term.
Barasa and Wangamati had been actively campaigning in the sugar-growing region, each positioning himself as the ideal candidate to lead the devolved unit that encompasses Bungoma, Kimilili, and Webuye towns.
Before Wanyonyi’s entry, Barasa appeared to dominate the field by criss-crossing the county to hold major rallies where he criticised his opponents and expressed confidence about securing the seat.
‘Political suicide’
However, Barasa, a key supporter of President William Ruto, has dismissed Wanyonyi’s candidacy as political suicide, arguing that the ODM MP and brother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula enjoys little support in the area.
Barasa has been particularly critical of local MPs and MCAs who have endorsed Wanyonyi, characterising them as opportunists.
“Most of the MPs and MCAs are only interested in his money. They have swindled other aspirants before. They tried soliciting money from me and only managed to get a little. They will soon milk him [Wanyonyi] before returning to my camp,” Barasa said during a weekend rally.
Political analysts view Wanyonyi’s decision differently.
Having been denied the ODM ticket for Nairobi’s gubernatorial race, his move to contest the Bungoma seat in 2027 represents a significant shift in the county’s political landscape and leadership dynamics.
Declaration and support
Wanyonyi made his bold declaration during a meeting between Bungoma MCAs and MPs, where he received overwhelming support from Ford Kenya officials, including MPs and all 62 MCAs.
He urged the public not to judge him based on his past affiliations or family background, emphasising that his decision stems from a personal desire to bring development and unity to Bungoma.
“I have come here as Tim Wanyonyi, not as a representative of any party and not as an ODM member. This is not about ODM or Ford Kenya. It’s about leadership that delivers results,” Wanyonyi stated.
The endorsement was spearheaded by Ford-Kenya Secretary General and Tongaren MP John Chikati, Bungoma County party chairperson and woman representative Catherine Wambilianga, and Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa, among others. This broad support signals significant political goodwill from across the county.
Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama criticised Barasa’s gubernatorial ambitions, arguing that Wanyonyi possesses the necessary qualifications and vision to lead Bungoma forward.
“Let’s stop joking about Bungoma’s future. Tim Wanyonyi is the only one who has what it takes to transform this county to greater levels,” Wanyama declared.
He added confidently, “In 2027, Tim is going to be here with us and serve the people of Bungoma.”
Wanyama, a UDA MP, explained that the meeting’s primary objective was to officially present Wanyonyi to grassroots leaders and MCAs, who will play crucial roles in implementing his campaign strategy at the community level.
“We have brought together MPs and MCAs so that we can align and walk together in this journey. All the 62 MCAs have agreed to back Wanyonyi as Bungoma governor,” he stated, adding that the county was prepared to vote based on competence rather than party affiliation.
MCA support
Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa echoed Wanyama’s sentiments, confirming that MCAs across all wards had unanimously agreed to support Wanyonyi’s candidacy.
He dismissed other potential gubernatorial aspirants, claiming that Wanyonyi’s entry had fundamentally altered the race dynamics.
“The entry of Tim Wanyonyi into this race has finished everything. All other aspirants should rethink their ambitions. We have decided it is Tim or nothing,” Nyongesa declared.
Nyongesa explained that the MCAs had conducted their own assessments and determined that Wanyonyi possessed the necessary experience, maturity, leadership capacity, and proven development track record.
Wanyonyi’s endorsement by Ford Kenya officials is particularly significant given that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Wanyonyi’s elder brother and Ford Kenya party leader, had previously endorsed Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.
Barasa, originally elected on a UDA ticket, had expressed willingness to join Ford Kenya to run for governor, banking on Wetangula’s political support.
Wanyonyi’s announcement now reveals a potential shift in power dynamics within the Ford Kenya party, which has long dominated Bungoma politics.
Development vision
Wanyonyi described Bungoma as a strategic and resource-rich county, pledging to tap into its agricultural potential, revamp healthcare, invest in youth empowerment, and improve infrastructure across all constituencies.
“Bungoma is rich in resources. It has the potential to be a regional economic hub. With the right leadership, we can unlock that potential. We don’t need the politics of chest thumping, we need strategic leadership,” Wanyonyi noted.
Wanyonyi is expected to face stiff competition from several declared candidates, including Zacharia Barasa (DAP-K), MP Barasa (UDA), businessman Allan Fwamba, Sophie Waliuala, and ex-governor Wangamati.