THE GAME-CHANGING ENTRY OF TIM WANYONYI AND THE 2027 BUNGOMA GUBERNATORIAL POWER MATRIX

EoK Reports| Newsroom

EoK Editorial// Wangamati, Barasa & Wanyonyi

A political storm is brewing in Bungoma as the race for the 2027 gubernatorial seat takes a dramatic and unexpected turn with the entry of Westlands MP Hon. Tim Wanyonyi.

In a high-stakes meeting held yesterday, eight out of nine Bungoma MPs met with Wanyonyi, strongly signaling their intention to rally behind him for the county's top seat. Only Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was absent — and for good reason: Barasa himself has been eyeing the same seat and has already received endorsements from Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and current Governor Ken Lusaka.

The MPs who threw their weight behind Wanyonyi include Fred Kapondi (Mt. Elgon), John Waluke (Sirisia), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Martin Pepela (Webuye East), John Chikati (Tongaren), Wanami Wamboka (Kabuchai), and another strong team of local leaders.

Photo Courtesy: Hon. John Wakike, Facebook 

Their public declarations have lit a political firestorm. Hon. Waluke took to social media to state:

“A new dawn for Bungoma County leadership is finally here with us, tested and verified beyond reasonable doubt. After thorough consultations, we have resolutely decided to rally behind Hon. Timothy Wanyonyi come 2027 for the betterment of Bungoma County.”

Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for people-centered, accountable leadership.

The Son Returns — Or Does He Stay?

Despite his roots in Bungoma, Wanyonyi has long been a Nairobi figure, earning admiration for his calm, strategic leadership in Westlands. While many Bungoma residents welcome his "homecoming," others insist he should stay in Nairobi and contest the city’s governorship.

Hon. Tim Wanyonyi 

According to EoK research and online sentiment tracking, nearly 70% of Bungoma voters favor Tim’s return, seeing him as the transformative leader capable of taking the county to new heights. However, there is also a vocal minority who argue that Bungoma politics should not be treated as a "safe fallback" and caution against what they see as parachute politics.

Party Headaches and Possible Independent Ticket

Tim’s party affiliation further complicates the equation. As an ODM MP, his entry into Bungoma’s largely Ford Kenya-dominated terrain may force him into difficult negotiations. The possibility of vying as an independent candidate cannot be ruled out, especially if he hopes to sidestep potentially bruising party primaries.

The Barasa Factor

Hon. Didmus Barasa 

On the other side stands Didmus Barasa, an energetic and highly visible politician who has built a strong grassroots following. His close ties to Speaker Wetang’ula and Lusaka had previously positioned him as a frontrunner. But Wanyonyi’s sudden prominence throws Barasa’s plan into uncertainty.

If forced to battle in Ford Kenya primaries, Barasa might risk splitting his earlier earned support — or even reconsider vying for a third term as Kimilili MP, yes, it is a possibility.

Enter Wangamati — The Former Governor’s Comeback

Hon. Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati 

Meanwhile, former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati is gearing up for a second attempt, banking on his achievements during his 2017–2022 term. Yet, insiders suggest Wangamati’s support base may be weakened by internal divisions and his perceived loss of favor with local kingpins.

Where is Wetang’ula?

N. A Speaker, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetangula 

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula looms large over Bungoma politics. For years, he has been seen as the region’s de facto kingmaker. Tim’s potential candidacy could allow Wetang’ula to refocus on national politics and the Western bloc’s broader agenda, possibly freeing him from county-level entanglements.

Natembeya’s Tawe Movement — The Silent Player

The Tawe movement, spearheaded by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, has its own candidate in businessman Zachariah Barasa. However, his name rarely appears among the county’s leading contenders, overshadowed now by Tim, Barasa, and Wangamati.

The Bigger Picture

The 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race is quickly evolving into a high-stakes chess match, blending personal ambitions, party dynamics, and shifting alliances. What was once seen as a two-horse race between Barasa and Wangamati has now transformed into a multi-layered contest, promising one of the most exciting political battles in Kenya’s recent history.

Whoever emerges victorious will not just inherit a county — they will shape the future of Western Kenya politics and possibly recalibrate the national balance.

As Bungoma gears up for this monumental decision, all eyes are on Tim Wanyonyi. Will he heed the call of home, or remain in the capital? Only time will tell.

---

To Power Our Newsroom:

M-Pesa Paybill No: 4103959

Account: EoK

---

Send us your story: editonekenya@gmail.com