Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga ….Photo/courtesy
By Alex Wekesa
KABUCHAI, Kenya
Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has called on Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka to explain circumstances surrounding an alleged attack and looting at his resort in the Musese area by more than 150 people said to be linked to the Ford Kenya party.
Kalasinga, who is on official duty in South Africa, issued the statement through his official Facebook page, saying the attack left property worth more than KSh 3 million destroyed.
He said the attackers, armed with stones, pellets and sticks, stormed the resort on Tuesday afternoon and caused extensive damage.
The MP said he was shocked by the level of destruction, noting that he had invested more than KSh 120 million in the facility, which he described as “completely vandalized.”
Kalasinga, who was elected on a Ford Kenya ticket in the 2022 general election, claimed that the attackers, dressed in party-branded T-shirts and caps, later went to his rural home, where they allegedly attempted to harm his mother and wife.
He said his family escaped unhurt after villagers intervened and repelled the assailants.
Kalasinga accused Governor Lusaka — who also chairs the campaign steering committee for Ford Kenya’s Chwele–Kabuchai Ward candidate, Vincent Maunda — of remaining silent following the incident.
The legislator further alleged that Ford Kenya delegates had met earlier at Lusaka’s residence, where one participant reportedly said the party would “use sticks to beat opponents” who refused to support their candidate.
Kalasinga challenged Lusaka to “come out and defend himself,” saying the remarks had incited violence and created fear among residents ahead of the Nov. 27 by-election.
The MP also accused the Chwele Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of laxity and delayed response, alleging that police took several hours to arrive at the scene despite being alerted in good time.
He claimed some officers may have been compromised by Ford Kenya officials to ignore complaints from residents not aligned with the party.
Kalasinga linked the same group of attackers to an alleged assault on Erick Wekesa, an independent candidate contesting the Chwele–Kabuchai Ward seat. He said Wekesa was attacked in full view of police officers and that his vehicle was stoned as he left Chwele market.
“The people of Chwele–Kabuchai have been denied their freedom of expression and their right to live peacefully. There is too much intimidation everywhere,” Kalasinga said, adding that his family and life were now in danger.
He urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to intervene and ensure residents’ safety ahead of the by-election.
Kalasinga vowed not to bow to pressure and reaffirmed his support for independent candidate Erick Wekesa.
He said his political independence should be respected, citing the 2022 Bungoma senatorial by-election, when Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, a UDA member, supported Ford Kenya’s David Wafula Wakoli without facing disciplinary action.
He urged Ford Kenya members to emulate the tolerance shown within UDA, saying party loyalty should not be used to intimidate or silence dissenting voices.
Kalasinga, who has had strained relations with Ford Kenya Party Leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accused the party leadership of using intimidation and coercion to impose preferred candidates on the electorate.
“The rights of the people of Chwele–Kabuchai must be respected. They should be allowed to vote freely for their preferred candidate without fear or threats,” he said.
In response, Governor Lusaka urged leaders and residents to maintain peace and tolerance ahead of the by-election, warning against violence and destruction of property.
Speaking in Chemwa during a meeting with members of the Batukwika clan, Lusaka condemned incidents of political intolerance and called for issue-based and respectful campaigns.
He rallied support for Ford Kenya’s candidate, Vincent Maunda, saying voters should be allowed to make free and informed choices without coercion.
Lusaka, who also serves as Ford Kenya’s deputy party leader, urged all aspirants to respect the rule of law, protect life and property and remember that communities must coexist peacefully after elections.
