Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi
By IP reporter
Westlands MP and Bungoma gubernatorial candidate Tim Wanyonyi says corruption remains the biggest obstacle to poverty reduction and equitable development, warning that public resources will continue to be lost unless leaders take firm action.
“Corruption has eaten too many of our resources in most of our public offices. We can’t keep talking about ending poverty while still running governments that entertain corruption,” Wanyonyi said in a statement. “We must first learn to be content with what we have and allow others to get what they deserve.”
Wanyonyi said his position on corruption has been consistent and will guide his leadership if elected governor of Bungoma County.
“My stand on this has always been clear, and going forward it will be even more evident through deliberate actions to ensure that everyone receives what rightfully belongs to them, without favor or discrimination of any kind,” he said.
His remarks come as Kenya continues to struggle with high levels of perceived corruption.
The country scored 32 out of 100 in the most recent Corruption Perceptions Index, placing it near the bottom third of countries globally, a position analysts say reflects persistent weaknesses in public-sector accountability.
Economic analysts estimate that corruption costs Kenya billions of shillings each year through inflated procurement, ghost projects and weak oversight, draining resources meant for health care, education and infrastructure — challenges that counties face acutely as they implement devolution.
Wanyonyi, a lawyer and three-term legislator, has built a reputation in Westlands as an accessible lawmaker, with several public opinion polls and civic performance rankings listing him among the higher-rated MPs on integrity, development initiatives and constituency visibility.
He has pledged to prioritize transparent procurement, open budgeting and strict consequences for county officials found guilty of diverting public funds, arguing that clean governance is a prerequisite for economic growth and social justice.
Political analysts say anti-corruption messaging is likely to dominate the Bungoma governor’s race, as voters increasingly demand accountability and tangible results from county administrations.
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