Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has teamed up with Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga to front a candidate against Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya candidate in the Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election.

The two met on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, while presenting their candidates’ documents to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) office for clearance to contest the ward representative seat.

Wangamati vowed to unite with MP Majimbo, who is currently at loggerheads with his party leader, Moses Wetang’ula, to ensure their candidate, Erick Wekesa, defeats Ford Kenya’s nominee in the ward elections.

According to the two leaders, who were once close allies of Ford Kenya but later fell out with the party leader, the locals should rally behind their candidate to end Wetang’ula’s influence in Bungoma County.

“This vote is very important; it will save the whole of Bungoma County. That’s why I want you to vote for Erick Wekesa,” Wangamati said.

Chwele kabuchai ward by-election

The MP’s decision to front his own candidate in Chwele-Kabuchai Ward came after the National Assembly Speaker openly attacked him for the first time, predicting doom for his 2027 re-election bid.

 Wetang’ula had warned that anyone who goes against him risks losing their seat, citing examples such as former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi. He told Majimbo that his fate would be no different.

In response, the MP expressed deep disappointment with the Speaker, claiming he now fears for his life and a plot to attack him, pointing fingers at the National Assembly Speaker.

Majimbo’s woes with wetangula

Majimbo said that although he respects Wetang’ula as his political mentor, he will not follow him blindly.

He cited his decision to vote against the Finance Bills of 2023 and 2024, despite his party’s position, explaining that he prioritised the will of his constituents over party loyalty.

He further expressed disappointment with Wetang’ula, accusing him of addressing him in a threatening tone and in the local dialect, saying such conduct was unbecoming of a national leader holding a high office. The MP vowed to file a petition seeking Wetang’ula’s removal.

Majimbo went ahead to endorse Erick Wekesa, who is vying on an independent ticket, to face off against Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya candidate in the highly contested by-election.