Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi accepts endorsement for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat for 2027 from 8 Bungoma MPs and 62 MCAs at a Bungoma hotel on Friday.
By Peter Mwibanda.
July 11, 2025 | Bungoma, Kenya (IP)
A political storm is brewing in Western Kenya after eight of Bungoma County’s nine Members of Parliament and 62 Members of the County Assembly endorsed Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi for the 2027 gubernatorial seat, signaling a major realignment in the region’s political calculus.
The high-profile endorsement was made Friday during a meeting at a Bungoma hotel, where lawmakers declared their support for Wanyonyi, calling him the best-suited candidate to lead the county into a new era of development.
The announcement, however, conspicuously excluded Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, fueling speculation about deeper political rifts.
The decision has ignited fresh debate about succession politics, regional influence, and shifting power dynamics within ODM, Ford Kenya, and UDA.
Wanyonyi, a seasoned legislator and brother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, is widely regarded as a pragmatic, development-focused leader.
His track record in youth empowerment, education, and support for small businesses in Nairobi’s Westlands constituency has earned him a reputation as a clean and effective public servant.
The backing from MPs representing Bumula, Sirisia, Tongaren, Webuye West, Webuye East, Mt. Elgon, Kanduyi, and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga positions Wanyonyi as the clear frontrunner.
His decision to run for Bungoma’s top seat—after previously being considered for Nairobi’s governorship—marks a significant strategic pivot.
Fallout and Political Repercussions
Wanyonyi’s entry has already started to shift long-standing alliances in Bungoma’s political scene.
Didmus Barasa: Firebrand in Isolation:
Barasa, the outspoken UDA legislator from Kimilili, was notably absent from today’s endorsement ceremony—an omission interpreted as both strategic and symbolic.
Once a central figure in Bungoma’s politics, Barasa now finds himself increasingly sidelined.
His political future is complicated by past controversies, including a 2022 murder case in which he was acquitted, and ongoing fraud allegations tied to a soft loan scheme.
He is also locked in a Ksh50 million defamation suit with former governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
Despite these challenges, Barasa maintains a strong grassroots presence in Kimilili. However, analysts say his adversarial style and lack of elite backing may hinder his viability in a countywide contest.
Wycliffe Wangamati: On the Comeback Trail
Former governor Wycliffe Wangamati, who led Bungoma from 2017 to 2022, is preparing for a political comeback.
His tenure saw improvements in infrastructure and healthcare, though these gains were clouded by allegations of mismanagement and internal disputes.
Now battling Barasa in court, Wangamati is trying to rebuild his image and rally disaffected voters.
But Wanyonyi’s sweeping endorsement today could stall his momentum unless he can quickly assemble a fresh political alliance.
Wycklife Wangamati: Low Profile, Unclear Strategy:
Wycklife Wangamati remains a wildcard. Although rumored to be eyeing the seat, she has yet to publicly declare her intentions or outline a campaign strategy.
With minimal media exposure and limited grassroots networks, her chances remain slim—unless she manages to align herself with a dominant bloc or secure a high-profile running mate position.
A Battle for the Soul of Western Kenya
The 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race now mirrors broader political shifts across Western Kenya.
1. Party Tensions and Realignment:
Wanyonyi’s ODM affiliation could challenge Ford Kenya’s traditional dominance in the region.
Barasa’s UDA ties set the stage for a competitive three-party race with high national stakes.
2. Political Elites vs. Grassroots Movements:
The coordinated endorsement reflects an elite-driven push to manage succession and reduce political fragmentation.
This could sideline more populist figures like Barasa, who depend on direct voter mobilization.
3. Development vs. Rhetoric:
Voters frustrated by unfulfilled promises may favor candidates with proven track records.
Wanyonyi’s Nairobi experience and Wangamati’s past county leadership will be heavily scrutinized.
4. National Power Brokers in Play:
Speaker Wetang’ula’s national influence looms large.
Should he back his brother’s bid, it could deepen Bungoma’s connection to national power structures—boosting the county’s role in coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general election.
Candidate Outlook.
Timothy Wanyonyi:Backed by majority MPs; has ODM support and a strong development record.
Didmus Barasa Isolated from elite circles but maintains a loyal grassroots base.
Wycliffe Wangamati Experienced but hampered by legal battles and fading influence.
Wycklife Wangamati Low visibility; will need strategic alliances to be competitive.
Conclusion: A Referendum on Unity and Delivery.
The official endorsement of Timothy Wanyonyi today has reshaped the trajectory of the 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race.
With institutional backing and a record of performance, he now leads the pack.
Still, the contest remains open.
DD Barasa brings populist energy, while Wangamati seeks redemption.
The race will test whether Bungoma voters favor unity, reform, or rebellion—and whether a coalition of elites can overcome grassroots defiance in a county long known for its political intensity.
Peter Mwibanda, Bungoma.
