“Bungoma’s Stalled Dreams, " Brendah Okumu, "Only Wangamati Can Fix the Mess in 2027”

By EoK Editorial: A conversation with Former Governor, Wafula Wangamati's supporter.

Photo: Former Governor, Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati, Bungoma.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, political temperatures in Bungoma County are rising. Among those championing the return of former Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati is a vocal supporter, Brendah Okumu, who ails from Maraka Ward of Webuye East Constituency. Brendah strongly believes that Wangamati remains the best choice for Bungoma’s leadership.

In a passionate statement, Brendah argued that Bungoma County has stagnated since Wangamati left office, with key projects either stalling or being abandoned altogether. She describes Wangamati as a leader with a vision for the county’s development, contrasting his tenure with the current leadership, which she claims has failed to sustain the momentum.

Wangamati’s Legacy, A Record of Development

During his tenure as Bungoma’s second governor from 2017 to 2022, Governor Wangamati initiated several landmark projects which according to "A Girl Toto" as she's fondly reffered to, transformed the county’s infrastructure, education, and economic landscape. Among his major achievements include:

1. Bungoma County Scholarship Program – Wangamati launched the Bungoma County Scholarship Fund, which provided thousands of bright but needy students with full scholarships, ensuring they accessed quality education in top secondary schools. His commitment to education changed the lives of many children from poor backgrounds.

2. Kanduyi Stadium – The construction of the state-of-the-art Kanduyi Stadium was one of Wangamati’s ambitious projects aimed at nurturing talent and promoting sports in Bungoma. Unfortunately, his successor failed to complete the stadium, leaving it stalled for years.

3. Industrial Park & Job Creation – Wangamati’s administration initiated the construction of an industrial park aimed at creating employment opportunities for Bungoma residents. The park was envisioned as a hub for local manufacturing, providing jobs for youth and boosting the county’s economy. However, its progress came to a halt after he left office.

4. Milk Processing Plant in Webuye – To support dairy farmers in Bungoma, Wangamati spearheaded the establishment of a milk processing plant in Webuye. The facility was expected to add value to local dairy products and enhance farmers’ incomes. However, his exit from office led to the project being neglected, leaving dairy farmers without a sustainable market for their milk.

5. Road Infrastructure Development – Under Wangamati’s leadership, Bungoma saw significant improvements in road networks across the county. Roads that had long been neglected were rehabilitated, opening up rural areas for trade and transport.

6. Healthcare Investments – Wangamati’s government invested in upgrading Bungoma’s health facilities, including the construction of new health centers and equipping hospitals with modern medical equipment. His administration also prioritized the hiring of more health workers to improve service delivery.

Photo: Hon. Wycliffe Wangamati at a past event, Bungoma.

Brendah Okumu: "A Vote for Wangamati is a Vote Against Populism"

To Brendah, Wangamati’s leadership was defined by professionalism and strategic planning, unlike the current administration, which she claims thrives on populist politics rather than real development. She warns that electing "con artists and gangmasters" in 2027 would only drag Bungoma backward.

“Wangamati is an industrious leader with the people’s interests at heart. He carefully chose competent County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) and Chief Officers to run different departments, including Mathews Makanda, Everlyne Bunusu Kakai, Collins Mukhongo, Dr. Wandili, Renson Makheti, and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngome Kibanani,” she adds.

With 2027 fast approaching, supporters like A Girl Toto are rallying behind Governor Wangamati for a comeback, arguing that only his leadership can restore Bungoma’s stalled projects and reignite economic growth.

As political dynamics unfold, one question lingers, will Bungoma voters give Wangamati a second chance to complete the work he started? Only time will tell.

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Brendah Okumu hails from the famous Webuye East Constituency,  Maraka Ward. She's an advocate of good leadership and governance not just in Bungoma County But Across Kenya.

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