Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has claimed that his life is in danger, accusing National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula of threatening him over political differences.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Kalasinga said Wetang’ula warned him during a private meeting attended by local delegates, telling him he “would not move on to the next elections.” The MP said the remarks, made in the local dialect, amounted to a direct death threat linked to the tense Chwele Ward by-election campaigns.
MP Majimbo Kalasinga Says Threats Are Linked to Chwele By-election
Kalasinga said the conflict began after he expressed support for a rival candidate in the Chwele Ward by-election, angering Wetang’ula, who reportedly wants Ford Kenya’s preferred aspirant to win.
“My brother Wetang’ula, you know what is going on clearly. There has not been a single time I have called the press to address a matter like this. Give me time to deliver or the electorates will,” Kalasinga stated during his press briefing.
He added that Wetang’ula’s remarks had caused tension among his supporters, warning that political intolerance could destabilize the region.
“We can interpret whatever you said. You said that I will not cross over to the next elections. Where did he mean I should be? He should come out and tell Kenyans what he meant. Did he mean I should be in heaven or Uganda?” Kalasinga asked, visibly frustrated.
The legislator said he has faced intimidation from party officials since the campaigns began, claiming that attempts to silence him were now escalating into open threats.
MP Demands Police Protection and Investigations
Kalasinga urged the government to act immediately, saying his security detail should be strengthened to prevent any potential harm. He appealed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to collect video evidence circulating online and investigate the matter thoroughly.
“I am not safe. The differences between me and the Speaker might spill over if not addressed. The police should review the videos from the event because everything was recorded,” Kalasinga said.
He emphasized that the threats were not just political banter but dangerous utterances that must be taken seriously. The MP noted that he had avoided raising such issues publicly in the past, but the gravity of the latest statements compelled him to speak out.
At the time of publication, Speaker Wetang’ula had not personally responded to the allegations. It also remained unclear whether Kalasinga had filed an official report with the police.
Sources close to the MP said he was considering moving his family out of Kabuchai Constituency temporarily until he receives security assurance from the authorities.
Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya Denies Claims and Calls Them Political
Ford Kenya, through Simiyu Mutaki, who identified himself as the Speaker’s Personal Assistant, dismissed Kalasinga’s accusations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated.
“The remarks made by the MP are quite surprising. As Ford Kenya, we have maintained that we will hold peaceful elections, and we therefore dismiss these allegations in their entirety,” Mutaki said.
He added that Wetang’ula is focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots network and has no reason to threaten anyone.
Mutaki further claimed that Kalasinga’s statements were an attempt to gain sympathy and divert attention from his waning popularity in the constituency.
“The MP is exaggerating the situation. In fact, he sometimes travels abroad without full security, leaving one of his bodyguards behind. That is not the Speaker’s problem,” Mutaki stated.
He urged the public to ignore the allegations, insisting that Ford Kenya values peace and unity in Bungoma County and across the country.
Political Tensions Deepen Ahead of 2027
The standoff between Kalasinga and Wetang’ula signals deepening divisions within Ford Kenya ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts believe the Chwele Ward by-election has exposed internal cracks, with local leaders now divided between loyalty to the Speaker and growing calls for independent political thinking.
Residents of Kabuchai have expressed concern over the heated exchanges, saying the two leaders should focus on development rather than personal battles.
If confirmed, the allegations could trigger investigations by state agencies into whether Wetang’ula’s comments amount to criminal threats.
Meanwhile, Kalasinga insists he will not be intimidated and will continue serving his constituents without fear.
“I was elected by the people of Kabuchai, not by one individual. I will continue to speak the truth and defend democracy,” he said.
The claims now cast a shadow over the Chwele Ward race, with the possibility of the matter turning into a full-blown political crisis if not resolved quickly.
