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A political alliance between former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga aims to unseat the Ford Kenya candidate in the upcoming Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election, intensifying a local power struggle within Bungoma County.
Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and current Kabuchai Member of Parliament (MP) Majimbo Kalasinga have publicly joined forces to back an independent candidate, Erick Wekesa, in the Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election. This move directly challenges the candidate fronted by Ford Kenya, a party led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, signaling a deepening political rift within Bungoma County.
The alliance was solidified on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, when Wangamati and Kalasinga presented Wekesa’s nomination documents to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) office for clearance. Wangamati, a former Ford Kenya governor who later joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in 2023, has pledged to work with MP Kalasinga to ensure Wekesa's victory.
This by-election is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between MP Kalasinga and his party leader, Moses Wetang'ula. Kalasinga, who was elected to the Kabuchai parliamentary seat on a Ford Kenya ticket in a 2021 by-election, has openly expressed his ambition to challenge Wetang'ula for the party's leadership after the 2027 General Election. Their disagreements became public following Kalasinga's decision to vote against the Finance Bill 2024, a stance he attributed to the wishes of his constituents, despite Ford Kenya being a member of the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Wetang'ula, a prominent political figure in Bungoma, has historically held significant sway in the region. He reportedly warned that those who oppose him risk their political careers, citing past examples of leaders who faced political setbacks after defying him. Kalasinga has since claimed that his life is in danger and alleged a plot to attack him, pointing fingers at the National Assembly Speaker.
The Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election is one of several by-elections scheduled by the IEBC for Thursday, November 27, 2025. The electoral body has outlined specific timelines for political parties to submit names of authorized persons and for independent candidates to present their names and symbols. The ongoing political maneuvers highlight the dynamics of party loyalty versus constituent representation, particularly in a multi-party democratic system where party leaders exert considerable influence.
Former Governor Wangamati emphasized the significance of the Chwele-Kabuchai vote, stating, “This vote is very important; it will save the whole of Bungoma County. That’s why I want you to vote for Erick Wekesa.” This statement underscores the perceived impact of this ward election on the broader political landscape of Bungoma. Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also publicly endorsed Erick Wekesa as his preferred candidate for the Chwele/Kabuchai ward by-election.
The open defiance by MP Kalasinga against his party leader could have significant implications for his political future within Ford Kenya and potentially for the stability of the party in Bungoma. Wetang'ula's reported warnings suggest a zero-tolerance approach to dissent, which could lead to disciplinary action against Kalasinga. The outcome of this by-election could also be seen as a barometer of Wetang'ula's influence in his home county and could shape alliances and realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The full extent of the political ramifications for Majimbo Kalasinga within Ford Kenya remains uncertain. While he has stated his intention to remain in the party until officially ejected, the ongoing public spat with Wetang'ula could lead to a formal disciplinary process. Additionally, the specific details of the alleged threats against Kalasinga's life and the reported plot to attack him are yet to be fully investigated.
Observers will be keenly watching the results of the Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by-election as a potential indicator of shifting political loyalties and power dynamics in Bungoma County. The aftermath of the election will likely reveal the strength of Moses Wetang'ula's influence and the resilience of the alliance formed by Wangamati and Kalasinga. Further developments regarding the internal wrangles within Ford Kenya and any potential disciplinary actions against Majimbo Kalasinga will also be critical to monitor.
