By Anderson Ojwang’
It could be a new dawn for Bungoma residents after the electorate spoke at the ballot and altered the political terrain of the region.
For the first time in two decades, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula and his party Ford–K suffered a resounding home defeat at the Chwele-Kabuchai ward to his emerging rival George Natembeya.
Natembeya, the Trans Nzoia County Governor, inflicted a deep political wound on Wetang’ula in the battle over the control of Bungoma County politics.
It was the battle of the new kid on the block, DAP-K, through an independent candidate, against the ageing Simba, Ford-K, which has controlled the region’s politics for over two decades.
DAP-K wrote on its Facebook page: “Pale Kabuchai, mamba amezama katika mazingira yake (Kabuchai, the crocodile has drowned in its own environment). Even a crocodile can die in water, so trust me, bad days happen to everyone. Mamba kesha zalama (crocodile, sleep well).”
And the independent candidate, Erick Wekesa, defeated Ford-K’s Vincent Maunda to redefine the region’s politics and establish Natembeya as the possible new king of the jungle.
Wekesa, fronted by Natembeya, former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, rewrote the politics of the region and left Wetang’ula in limbo.
The by-election was so important to Wetang’ula that he was on the ground to vote and ensure the results went according to his wish.
Wetang’ula wrote on his X handle:
“This morning I cast my vote at Namakhele Primary School during the Chwele-Kabuchai ward by-elections.
I urged our residents to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right without fear, assuring them that adequate security officers have been deployed across the area.
I also encouraged voters to remain vigilant and promptly report any unusual or suspicious activities to the authorities.”
How the victory was plotted and what it means for Wetang’ula
Natembeya led a team of politicians from the region who had fallen out with Wetang’ula and rallied behind Wekesa, who was popular in the area.
The plot involved making hard sacrifices and prevailing upon some candidates to withdraw in favor of Wekesa.
Wangamati recently said: “This vote is very important; it will save the whole of Bungoma County. That’s why I want you to vote for Erick Wekesa. Erick Wekesa is an independent candidate, one of two leading candidates.”
A week to the election, Natembeya had prevailed upon the DAP-K candidate Phanice Waswa to step down in favor of Erick.
Natembeya wrote on his X handle:
“DAP-K’s Phanice Waswa has today stepped down in favor of Erick Wekesa in the upcoming Chwele-Kabuchai ward by-election — a powerful show of unity and maturity in leadership.
We are proving that when leaders choose dialogue over division, the people win.
This is not just about a by-election; it’s about setting a new tone for our politics—one built on cooperation, strategy, and shared purpose. Together we are building a stronger front and shaping a future where unity delivers victory.”
How the victory was plotted and what it means for Wetang’ula
Wetang’ula had warned his political opponents that they risked serious consequences and that those who had defied him never succeeded in their pursuits.
The Speaker warned that anyone who goes against him risks losing their seat, giving examples of Wangamati, former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi. He told Majimbo that his fate would be no different.
He wrote on his Facebook page:
“This afternoon, in my capacity as the FORD–Kenya Party Leader, I joined the people of Chwele–Kabuchai Ward at Mukhweya Primary School Grounds for a campaign rally in support of our party’s candidate, Mr. Vincent Maunda, ahead of the upcoming November 27th by-elections.
I appealed for the support of our candidate while emphasizing the importance of electing a leader who understands the needs of the community and remains fully committed to driving development and strengthening effective representation.
Together with Bungoma Governor and Deputy Party Leader H.E. Kenneth Lusaka, Senator Wafula Wakoli, our Secretary-General Hon. John Chikati, and Members of the County Assembly led by Deputy Speaker Stephen Wamalwa, we called on the electorate to stay united and protect the political heritage of our great party.
As we move closer to this crucial democratic exercise, I urge Kabuchai residents to uphold peace, respect diverse political views, and make informed decisions that prioritize our shared aspirations for growth and prosperity.”
In response, Majimbo expressed deep disappointment with the Speaker, claiming he now fears for his life and that there is a plot to attack him, pointing fingers at the National Assembly Speaker.
Majimbo’s home was attacked by goons who vandalized property, leaving items valued at millions of shillings destroyed.
For Wetang’ula, the slip in his village ward by-election could spell doom for his Ford-K party and himself in Bungoma County politics — and that is why his Tawe Movement is roaring and rearing to go.
