Wetlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.
By IP Reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP) — Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi has come out strongly to dispel claims that he is a political project of President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, or National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, as he publicly declared his interest in contesting the Bungoma governorship in 2027.
Speaking during a national radio interview, Wanyonyi said his bid is driven by his passion to return home and apply his experience to transform the county.
“Wetang’ula is the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raila Odinga is my party leader, and Ruto is my President. I am not their project,” he said. “I want to go back home and serve my people, just as I have done in Westlands.”
Wanyonyi urged voters to judge him by his track record, not by political affiliations, and cautioned against attempts to box him into any faction.
Wanyonyi said that National Assembly Speaker Dr Moses Wetang’ula cannot vie for the Senatorial or gubernatorial positions adding that Kenyans are looking at him to be Rutos running mate in 2027 or contest for Presidency in 2032.
‘There’s no seat my brother Wetangula can vie for in Bungoma County.
People are viewing him as a running mate in 2027 or a Presidential candidate in 2032,” he added.
Notably, the MP did not reveal the political party he will use in his 2027 bid — a move that has sparked speculation, especially given his ODM roots and his family link to Kenya Kwanza through his elder brother, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Proven Track Record in Westlands
Now in his third term as Westlands MP, Wanyonyi has earned praise for sustained development work in one of Nairobi’s most diverse constituencies:
Over 20 public schools constructed or upgraded, including modern labs, special needs units, and digital classrooms.
Infrastructure improvements, especially in informal areas like Kangemi, Deep Sea, and Kaptagat.
Expanded access to healthcare, including support to community clinics and mobile health services.
Youth and women empowerment, through bursaries, entrepreneurship programs, and digital hubs.
Strong advocacy for inclusion and disability rights, informed by his legal background and personal experience as a wheelchair user.
“If we’ve delivered results in an urban constituency like Westlands, imagine the impact we can make in Bungoma where there’s more land, more youth, and more opportunity,” he said.
Crowded Bungoma Race.
Wanyonyi enters a field already filling up with contenders eyeing the seat currently held by Governor Kenneth Lusaka. Among the key names:
Didmus Barasa – The Kimilili MP and close Ruto ally is expected to vie on a UDA ticket, banking on his outspoken grassroots appeal.
Wycliffe Wangamati – The former governor who narrowly lost in 2022 is preparing for a rematch, with backing likely from DAP-K or Azimio-affiliated parties.
Zachariah Barasa – A businessman and former UDA candidate, Barasa remains politically active and is rebuilding his countywide support.
As Bungoma politics heats up, questions will linger around which banner Wanyonyi will fly — and whether his message of unity and development can cut across entrenched party lines.
Reporting by IP Reporter.
