Lwandanyi ward MCA Tony Barasa.
By IP reporter.
SIRISIA, Bungoma.
Outrage is mounting in Bungoma County after Sirisia MP John Waluke launched a tribal tirade allegedly demeaning the Iteso community and questioning the ethnic identity of Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya — remarks that have drawn a sharp rebuke from Lwandanyi Ward MCA Tony Barasa.
Barasa, a fierce critic of Waluke and a declared 2027 parliamentary aspirant, issued a scathing rejoinder condemning the MP’s remarks as “reckless, insulting, and unfit for any leader.”
“Such statements are not only reckless and disrespectful, they reflect a disturbing level of arrogance and tribal contempt toward a peace-loving and patriotic community,” Barasa said in a statement released Monday.
Waluke reportedly referred to Governor Natembeya as “uncircumcised” and “not Bukusu,” allegedly implying he was Iteso — in a statement widely condemned as tribal profiling.
Both Natembeya and Waluke hail from the Bukusu sub-tribe of the larger Luhya community.
Barasa: “The Iteso Are Not Second-Class Citizens”
Barasa rose in defense of the Iteso community, warning that Waluke’s divisive rhetoric threatened the peaceful coexistence among communities in Sirisia and beyond.
“Let me be clear — the Iteso, like every other Kenyan community, are equal citizens of this republic. No leader has the moral authority to demean them or question their place in our society,” he said.
He termed Waluke’s statements a “serious lapse in leadership” and called for an immediate apology to the Iteso and to Governor Natembeya.
Turning Point for 2027 Politics?
Barasa, seen as Waluke’s most vocal challenger, used the moment to draw a contrast in leadership styles — pitching himself as a unifier in a constituency grappling with generational and ethnic tensions.
“Sirisia deserves better. It deserves leadership that unites, not insults. That builds, not breaks. That respects, not ridicules,” Barasa said.
His statement was accompanied by a series of hashtags that trended locally:
#WalukeMustGo
#RespectItesoCommunity
#ExposeTheArrogance
#LeadershipWithDignity
Political Tension Deepens in Bungoma
The remarks have triggered condemnation across social media, with some calling on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate Waluke for hate speech.
While Waluke has not publicly responded to Barasa’s accusations, pressure is mounting for him to withdraw the remarks and issue a public apology.
Political observers say the clash could reshape the race for the Sirisia parliamentary seat ahead of 2027, with ethnicity, generational leadership, and respect for diversity emerging as central campaign issues.
Ends.
