This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
Devolution Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has been surveying the path for his future, and it appears he has set his sights on the Trans-Nzoia governor's seat. The seat is currently held by Governor Patrick Khaemba, who is expected to step down in the near future.
According to sources, Eugene Wamalwa has been flying over the Kiminini constituency, which is part of the Trans-Nzoia county, in preparation for his bid. His brother Chris Wamalwa, the current MP for Kiminini, is also said to be eyeing the governor's seat.
Chris Wamalwa has been a vocal supporter of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which aims to introduce a parliamentary system of government. Eugene Wamalwa has also been a strong advocate for the BBI, and it is believed that he is planning to use this initiative to secure a national office in 2022.
“Who told you it is only Raila Odinga who can be the prime minister? I can also become one,” Eugene Wamalwa said in a public gathering, hinting at his ambitions.
With the BBI referendum looming, Eugene Wamalwa is said to be planning to contest the Kiminini constituency seat, which would give him a strong foothold in the county's politics. Chris Wamalwa, on the other hand, would be free to focus on his bid for the governor's seat.
The two brothers are said to be planning a deal that would see them work together to secure their respective seats. This could give them an upper hand in the county's politics, and potentially even secure them national offices in the future.
Other figures from Trans-Nzoia county who have been mentioned as potential candidates for the governor's seat include Abraham Sing'oei and Kakai Bisau, both of whom work in the Office of Deputy President William Ruto. However, with the Eugene-Chris alliance in place, they may be at a disadvantage.
