Barasa breaks ranks with Wetang’ula ahead of 2027 Bungoma race

The Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has broken away from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as the 2027 Bungoma governorship race approaches. Barasa intends to pursue a separate political route in Bungoma, diverging from Wetang'ula's local political guidance. He argues that the disagreement is limited to Bungoma's leadership and their shared support for President William Ruto and the Broad-Based Government persists.

Barasa aims to concentrate on strengthening the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and building alliances for the gubernatorial contest. His announcement comes amidst shifting alliances among Bungoma leaders as several politicians vie for the governorship. Wetang'ula, who leads FORD-Kenya, is a prominent political figure in the region, while his brother, Tim Wanyonyi, also seeks the Bungoma governorship.

The political landscape around Bungoma's leadership succession has become a focal point. Barasa, who declared his gubernatorial aspirations earlier, positions himself as a UDA candidate. Other potential contenders include Wanyonyi and former governor Wycliffe Wangamati, who aims to reclaim the seat he lost in 2022. Lusaka, serving his second and final term, is facing competition for the governorship.

Barasa has criticized Wetang'ula for favoring his younger brother, Tim Wanyonyi, in the race, alleging that such favoritism undermines open competition in the county. Barasa calls for Wetang'ula's retirement from Bungoma politics after more than three decades in leadership, questioning the resource distribution under the UDA-FORD-Kenya memorandum of understanding.