Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati is facing a tough hurdle ahead of the upcoming 2022 general elections as he seeks to retain his seat owing to factors that seem out of his control.
Some of his loyalists have already joined UDA, arguably the most popular political party in Bungoma, which is a factor Wangamati is losing sleep over.
Among them is Bungoma Deputy Governor Ngome Kibanani, roads executive Collins Mukhongo, health chief officer Patrick Wandili, environment executive Renson Makheti, youth adviser Nancy Kibaba and special programs adviser Carol Buyela.
Wangamati is also dreading the anticipation that the speaker of the Senate and former Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka may come back and amass massive support.
Fear of the Unknown
Inside sources claim the governor, who is also said to be brushing shoulders with Bungoma kingpin Moses Wetang’ula, is contemplating joining UDA but is equally afraid that the State may go after him with corruption charges.
While addressing the public in Sirisia, Wangamati said that he has not yet made up his mind to join UDA because he finds the matter delicate. He has to have some serious consultations, he reiterated.
“I haven’t made my mind yet, when I do, I will call supporters from across the constituencies and ensure they have a say,” Wangamati said while responding to UDA-allied MP John Waluke, adding that he doesn’t want to suffer the same fate with his deputy Ngome who he said joined UDA and regretted it immediately.
Waluke had said, “You tell us now and here which party you belong to so that we know if we will support you.”
Wangamati still considers DAP-K and ODM as his alternatives, but he still finds it hard to play the cards to his advantage. ODM and DAP-K are not so popular in Bungoma.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.
