Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga is set to take legal action against the Ford Kenya party, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, after his home and businesses were vandalised during the fiercely contested Chwele/Kabuchai ward by-election.

The conflict exposes a deep political rift in Bungoma County, pitting the MP against his party's leadership. The violence, which Kalasinga alleges was sponsored to intimidate him, culminated in a significant win for his preferred independent candidate, Erick Wekesa, delivering a blow to Ford Kenya's dominance in its heartland.

The attacks occurred in the run-up to the November 27 by-election, a poll necessitated by the passing of MCA James Mukhongo in August. On November 22, goons attacked the MP's residence shortly after he hosted Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for a campaign event. A video shared by the governor showed extensive damage, including shattered windows on the two-story house. Earlier, on November 3, a hotel owned by the legislator was raided, with employees reporting property worth KES 1.8 million stolen or destroyed.

A Bitter Political Fallout

"How is an MCA by-election related to my own personal property?" Kalasinga questioned in a public statement, condemning the violence. He and his allies have pointed the finger directly at Speaker Wetang'ula's camp. Governor Natembeya accused the Speaker of deploying goons to silence differing political views. “It is sad that a leader in the national assembly is the one doing these things,” Natembeya lamented.

The political bad blood between Kalasinga and Ford Kenya has been simmering for months. The MP has previously defied the party's official stance on crucial national matters, including the controversial Finance Bill 2024, leading to accusations of disloyalty from within the party ranks.

The by-election became the flashpoint for these tensions. Kalasinga and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati threw their weight behind independent candidate Erick Wekesa, directly challenging Ford Kenya's nominee, Vincent Maunda, who was backed by Wetang'ula.

Election Results Rebuke Violence

Despite the violent skirmishes, which also saw a rally addressed by Governor Natembeya disrupted by teargas and gunfire, the election concluded with a decisive victory for the independent candidate.

• Erick Wekesa (Independent): 6,162 votes
• Vincent Maunda (Ford Kenya): 2,765 votes

Ahead of the poll, Speaker Wetang'ula had assured voters that security would be reinforced to prevent disruptions and expressed confidence that a Ford Kenya victory would expose those who had betrayed him. The result, however, suggests a potential shift in the local power dynamics, rewarding the candidate backed by the embattled MP.

The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), an ally of Kalasinga, has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service to investigate the incidents and ensure accountability. As Kalasinga prepares for a court showdown, the future of his relationship with Ford Kenya and the political landscape of Bungoma County hang in the balance.