Webuye East MP Dan Wanyama has openly declared his opposition to Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa’s bid for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat, stating that he will not support him.

Wanyama made the remarks while addressing residents in Kanduyi during a women’s empowerment drive on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

He cautioned locals against making what he described as a risky gamble with the Bungoma governorship in the upcoming 2027 elections, instead endorsing Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi as the candidate who he believes can deliver for the county.

“Watu wa Bungoma, msifanye mchezo wa pata potea na kiti cha ugavana 2027, and I want to say here, and it’s proven, mimi siko na Didimus. Mkienda hiyo njia, hiyo ndio njia ya kupata potea. Nataka kuwaambia watu wa Bungoma, Tim Wanyonyi is the man to go to; Tim Wanyonyi is the person who will deliver Bungoma. Tim Wanyonyi tutatembea na yeye mpaka milele,” Wanyama stated.

However, his statement was poorly received by the crowd, which erupted into chants of “Didmus, Didmus”.

The situation prompted Barasa, who was also in attendance, to stand up and walk to the stage as the crowd cheered his name.

He removed his signature cap, acknowledged the audience’s support, and then returned to his seat as the cheers intensified.

Wanyonyi’s quest

This comes days after Wanyonyi officially declared his intention to vie for the Bungoma County gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday, July 12, 2025, he emphasised his deep connection to Bungoma and outlined his vision to unlock the county’s potential through inclusive leadership.

“I have come here as a candidate seeking to run as governor of Bungoma. Bungoma is a very strategic county, the third largest in Kenya. The potential in this county is huge, and we need to tap it,” Wanyonyi said.

Wanyonyi also stated that his decision to shift political focus from Nairobi to Bungoma was driven by overwhelming public demand.

He then recounted how, during his mother’s funeral in December, residents expressed their desire for him to return home and even joked about mobilising to “take him” from Nairobi if he failed to act.