Don’t profile me, associate me with anyone or party, says MP Wanyonyi as he declares Bungoma gubernatorial interest
By Tony Wafula
Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Tim Wanyonyi has declared his interest in vying for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in 2027, saying it is a new chapter in the county’s leadership and politics.
Wanyonyi made the bold declaration during a meeting held between Bungoma MCAs and MPs, where he received overwhelming support from Ford Kenya officials, including Members of Parliament and all 62 Members of the County Assembly.
Wanyonyi cautioned the public against profiling him based on his past affiliations or family background, insisting that his decision to contest the Bungoma governorship is purely personal, driven by a desire to bring development and unity to the people of Bungoma.
“I have come here as Tim Wanyonyi not as a representative of any party and not as an ODM member. This is not about ODM or Ford Kenya. It’s about leadership that delivers results,” Wanyonyi stated.
The endorsement was led by Ford Kenya Secretary General and Tongaren MP John Chikati, Bungoma County party chairperson and woman rep Catherine Wambilianga, Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa, among others, signalling a powerful wave of political goodwill from across the county.
Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama took a swipe at Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa’s gubernatorial ambitions, arguing that Wanyonyi is the most qualified and visionary candidate to steer Bungoma forward.
“Let’s stop joking about Bungoma’s future. Tim Wanyonyi is the only one who has what it takes to transform this county to greater levels,” Wanyama stated in his address.
He added, “In 2027, Tim is going to be here with us and serve the people of Bungoma,”
Wanyama, a UDA MP, emphasised that the meeting’s main objective was to officially hand over Wanyonyi to grassroots leaders, MCAs, who will play a crucial role in driving his campaign strategy to the grassroots.
“We have brought together MPs and MCAs so that we can align and walk together in this journey. All the 62 MCAs have agreed to back Wanyonyi as Bungoma governor,” he stated, adding that the county was ready to vote differently and elect based on competence, not parties.
Wanyama’s sentiments were echoed by Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa, who said that the MCAs across all wards had unanimously agreed to support Wanyonyi’s bid.
He dismissed other potential gubernatorial aspirants, stating that Wanyonyi’s entry into the race had effectively changed everything.
“The entry of Tim Wanyonyi into this race has finished everything. All other aspirants should rethink their ambitions. We have decided it is Tim or nothing,” Nyongesa said.
Nyongesa said the MCAs have conducted their own evaluations and found out that Wanyonyi has the experience, maturity, leadership capacity and a good development track record.
Wanyonyi’s endorsement by Ford Kenya officials is especially notable given the existing endorsement of Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Wanyonyi’s elder brother and Ford Kenya party leader.
Barasa, who was initially elected on a UDA ticket, had expressed willingness to cross over to Ford Kenya to run for governor, banking on Wetang’ula’s political support.
Wanyonyi’s announcement now exposes a potential shift in power dynamics within the Ford Kenya party, which has long been a dominant force in Bungoma politics.
Despite the looming contest with Barasa, Wanyonyi remained composed, stating that he respects all his competitors but believes that his track record in leadership speaks for itself.
“I’ve served as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive terms in Nairobi. Before that, I was a counselor. I’m not here to look down on anyone, but I am tested, proven and I can deliver,” Wanyonyi affirmed.
The Westlands MP emphasised that the call to serve Bungoma came from the ground and that he had not imposed himself on the people.
“I offered myself and I’ve been accepted by all these people. I believe Bungoma has accepted me. I am coming to lead with humility not arrogance. This is not about political packaging, tribal ties or big names, it’s about service delivery,” he stated.
“Please, don’t profile me or associate me with affiliations that are not on the table. I may belong to ODM, but I’m not coming here as an ODM candidate. I’m coming here as Tim Wanyonyi, a son of Bungoma, seeking the mandate of the people,” he said.
In addition, Wanyonyi described Bungoma as a strategic and resource-rich county.
He pledged to tap into the county’s agricultural potential, revamp healthcare, invest in youth empowerment and improve infrastructure across all constituencies.
“Bungoma is rich in resources. It has the potential to be a regional economic hub. With the right leadership, we can unlock that potential. We don’t need the politics of chest thumping, we need strategic leadership,” Wanyonyi noted.
Wanyonyi is expected to face stiff competition from several declared candidates, including Zacharia Barasa (DAP-K), Didmus Barasa (UDA), Allan Fwamba (businessman), Sophie Waliuala and former governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
However, with bipartisan support from MPs and MCAs, Wanyonyi appears to have gained early momentum, positioning himself as the candidate to beat.
