The battle for Bungoma influence has turned into a high-stakes family feud, pitting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula against his younger brother and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi.
The rivalry intensified after an unexpected Chwele–Kabuchai by-election result, which saw independent candidate Erick Wekesa defeat Ford Kenya’s Vincent Maunda by a significant margin.
Wanyonyi has openly criticised county leaders for sidelining grassroots voices, signalling a direct challenge to Wetangula’s long-standing hold over Bungoma politics. The showdown could redefine the county’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
Tim Wanyonyi vs Wetangula Clash in Bungoma
The Chwele–Kabuchai ward by-election sent shockwaves through Bungoma politics, revealing deep-seated tensions within local power structures. Erick Wekesa’s decisive victory over Ford Kenya’s Vincent Maunda exposed cracks in the Speaker’s influence, prompting Wanyonyi to seize the moment. Speaking during a visit to Bungoma on December 8, Wanyonyi openly criticised leaders for trying to impose power over locals.
“There are people who believe they can get power by force. In Kabuchai here, when they tried that, it didn’t work,” he said, a remark widely interpreted as a jab at his elder brother. Wanyonyi accused local leaders of arrogance and ignoring grassroots wishes, claiming that Bungoma’s political landscape was being auctioned off by those in power.
Ford Kenya Missed Opportunity
Wanyonyi also revealed that Ford Kenya rejected an early opportunity to back Erick Wekesa, despite assurances that he could deliver the seat. “Someone took Erick Wekesa to the Ford Kenya party leader and told him to give the party ticket, and that he would have delivered the seat even without sweating, but he refused and denied him the ticket. You all know how the election eventually turned out,” Wanyonyi said.
The remarks underline a growing frustration with party leadership and hint at divisions within Ford Kenya, which has historically dominated Bungoma politics. Wanyonyi’s claims suggest that internal party decisions may have inadvertently strengthened independent candidates and shifted voter sentiment away from the established hierarchy.
Tim Wanyonyi Eyes Bungoma Gubernatorial Seat
The Westlands MP has been shifting his political base from Nairobi to Bungoma, where he intends to run for governor on an ODM ticket. This move sets the stage for a potential showdown with Wetangula-aligned candidates, including former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, Kiminini MP Didmus Barasa, and other county leaders affiliated with Ford Kenya.
Wanyonyi’s arrival in Bungoma politics has already disrupted the status quo, raising questions about whether long-standing loyalties can withstand a family rivalry that now has national attention. His earlier decision to step aside for Polycarp Igathe in the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial race demonstrated political pragmatism, but his current ambitions indicate a willingness to challenge entrenched power structures head-on.
Wetangula’s Silence Fuels Speculation
Since Wanyonyi declared his bid, Speaker Wetangula has remained publicly neutral, refraining from endorsing his brother. The lack of support fuels speculation about a widening rift, raising the possibility that the Bungoma 2027 race could be one of the most fiercely contested in recent county history.
Ford Kenya continues to wield significant influence, with current Governor Ken Lusaka, Senator Wafula Wakoli, and other senior county leaders elected on the party’s ticket. However, Wanyonyi’s criticisms and growing grassroots support suggest that the Speaker may need to reconsider his strategy to maintain his political grip.
The unfolding Tim Wanyonyi vs Wetangula battle is no longer just a sibling feud. It has become a litmus test for political loyalty, grassroots influence, and the ability of established parties to maintain dominance in the face of independent challengers.
As the Bungoma gubernatorial race approaches, voters will watch closely to see whether family ties can survive political ambition or if the county’s political landscape is set for a dramatic realignment.
