This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
September 10, 2019
Bungoma Jubilee Party in Crisis as Waluke and Barasa Clash Over Ruto's Campaign Funds ¶
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa's bid to oust Bungoma Jubilee party chairman John Waluke has sparked a bitter power struggle within the party, with both men vying for control of the county party office and millions from Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential campaign.
According to sources close to Ruto, the Deputy President has warned Barasa to tone down his efforts to oust Waluke, fearing that the move could create internal rivalry and undermine the party's chances in the 2022 polls.
Waluke, who is among the candidates vying for the Bungoma governorship seat, has accused Barasa of using government resources to fund his private projects, including building houses for residents of Kimilili.
Barasa, a first-time MP, has denied the allegations, but the move has attracted the attention of top party leaders, including Jubilee chairman Raphael Tuju, who has called for calm and restraint.
Several secret meetings have taken place between Barasa, Tuju, and other interested parties, who felt threatened by Waluke's political maneuvers.
However, the move has backfired, with MPs allied to DP William Ruto now turning their guns against Barasa, terming him a 'juvenile operator' who is causing divisions within the party.
Webuye East MP Dan Wanyama and Reginaldah Wanyonyi have taken issue with Barasa, accusing him of being a 'juvenile operator' who is causing divisions within the party.
