Lumakanda MCA Benard Mulama Bokanda says he narrowly escaped death after he was allegedly attacked by a group of goons during Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa’s visit to Lugari Sub-County on Monday.
The governor had been presiding over the disbursement of KSh 6 million in Social Protection Grants to 120 groups spread across the sub-county’s six wards when the event at Mulama’s backyard descended into chaos.
In the ensuing melee, the ward rep was reportedly assaulted and sustained injuries serious enough to require his rushing to hospital.
The function drew a large turnout of leaders, including several other MCAs from Lugari and ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale.
Speeches at the event were largely framed around rallying support for Governor Barasa and President William Ruto’s bid for re-election.
A recent political rift
Mulama’s clash with Governor Barasa is not new. The MCA has been at odds with the governor’s administration since he was stripped of his position as minority whip in the county assembly in August.
Allies of the governor have accused him of misappropriating development funds, a claim Mulama and his supporters have consistently rejected.
Leaders condemn the attack
The assault has drawn swift condemnation from prominent figures critical of the governor. Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala, and Kakamega senatorial aspirant Brian Lishenga all issued statements denouncing the incident.
Nabwera was particularly forceful, calling on the public to identify one of the assailants.
“Citizens, let us unmask the man circled in green. He almost eliminated the MCA for Lumakanda, Hon. Bernard Mulama, at the instructions of his master. We cannot go down this path,” Nabwera said.
Rising political tensions in Lugari
The attack unfolds against a backdrop of escalating political friction in the constituency. All six MCAs, representing Lugari, in a statement a week ago, declared that they will withhold their support from Governor Barasa, pointing to what they characterize as stalled projects and a broader failure to deliver development to the region.
With battle lines hardening ahead of the next electoral cycle, Monday’s violence is likely to deepen the standoff between the governor’s camp and his critics within Lugari’s political leadership.
