Wetang’ula recounts winning Bungoma senatorial race without a single campaign poster
By Luke Oluoch, September 21, 2025National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has recalled winning the 2022 Bungoma senatorial race without printing a single campaign poster or billboard in the run-up to the elections.
Speaking in Bumula on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Wetang’ula recounted how he rose to the seat with little if any mobilising, referencing his wide acceptance by the people.
“I have to thank the people of Bungoma, who have voted for me four times,” he said.
“In 2013, I got 78 per cent of the votes. Later in 2017, I got a huge number that had never been witnessed in this region at all. In 2022, I never had a poster, billboard or cap to popularise my candidacy, but the people voted for me and I became the senator,” he stated.
Speaking at the same function, he urged the region to take up the issue of registering as voters seriously. He observed that the western region lagged in terms of voter registration at the national level.
He urged the region to capitalise on the new directive and report the people demanding money to register and issue ID cards.
“We need to register as voters. Leaders know that in Bungoma, we have the same population as in Nakuru, but in Bungoma, we have few voters being registered here,” he stated.
“IDs are now being issued without conditions. Let people go and register for them and get voters’ cards. If people ask you for money, report them to the authorities. We have to increase our numbers,” he stated.
His remarks come after his Ford Kenya party received endorsement from former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga.
Endorsement
Speaking at the same function, the former UDA MP affirmed his support for the Ford Kenya supremo, his declaration coming days after registering his regrets for not contesting the parliamentary seat on a Ford Kenya ticket.
Mwambu, who contested the 2022 elections on a UDA ticket and lost to DAP-K’s Jack Wamboka Wanami, announced that he was ready to return to the Ford Kenya fold.
“I have all the reasons to defend you. I will stand by your side and defend you. I will also stand firm with your Ford Kenya party,” he stated.
He stressed the need for unity of the region while cautioning his successor, who has been a fierce critic of Wetang’ula.
Call for Luhya Unity
“The only currency we have as a region is the unity we have. If we cannot speak one language, we will be doomed. It is the only way we can defend our unity and bargain on the national table.”
“Even our MP here must respect our leader and not only speak positively about him in his presence,” he added.
The ex-MP further revealed that he was considering making a political comeback, adding that he would soon disclose his decision to his supporters.
“I cannot be envious of the MP if he performs well. His allocation now is higher than mine,” he stated.
“We will talk politics at the right time. This is a church forum and not appropriate for political discussion,” he posited.