Voters in Chwele/Kabuchai ward have elected independent candidate Erick Wekesa in a decisive victory, sending a powerful message to the region's political titans. Wekesa was declared the winner by Returning Officer Henry Katila after securing 6,162 votes, more than double that of his closest competitor.

The outcome of the Thursday, November 27 poll is a significant political tremor in the heart of Bungoma County. It directly challenges the grip of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula's Ford Kenya party, which has long dominated the area and is a key partner in the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.

The by-election, necessitated by the death of former MCA James Barasa Mukhongo in August, became a battleground for competing political forces. Wekesa's main challenger, Vincent Wekesa Maunda of Ford Kenya, garnered 2,765 votes despite heavy campaigning from Speaker Wetang'ula.

A Rejection of the Establishment

Wekesa's campaign was backed by a formidable local alliance, including former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, who has had public disagreements with his party leader, Wetang'ula. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also threw his weight behind Wekesa, framing the election as a chance for Bungoma to chart its own course.

The campaign was marred by high tensions and violence. A rally for Wekesa, attended by Governor Natembeya, was disrupted by gunfire and teargas, leading to accusations of intimidation against Ford Kenya supporters. In the aftermath, Governor Natembeya's state-provided security was withdrawn, a move he termed unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Focus Shifts to Local Priorities

The final results from the by-election were as follows:

• Erick Wekesa (Independent): 6,162 votes
• Vincent Wekesa Maunda (Ford Kenya): 2,765 votes
• Other candidates: Collectively received fewer than 300 votes

Analysts suggest Wekesa's victory signals a growing frustration with national party politics and a desire for leadership focused on grassroots issues. Former Governor Wangamati emphasized this during the campaign, stating, "This vote is very important; it will save the whole of Bungoma County."

As Erick Wekesa prepares to take his seat in the County Assembly, all eyes will be on whether his independent victory inspires a new wave of grassroots candidates, or if the political titans of Western Kenya will move to reclaim their territory ahead of the next general election.