Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called on residents of Chwele–Kabuchai Ward to stand firmly behind National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s preferred candidate in the upcoming by-election, describing the contest as a crucial test of unity and political strength for the Mulembe community.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with opinion leaders and elders from the Basonge clan, Governor Lusaka said the election outcome would reflect not just local preferences but also the broader political influence of Speaker Wetang’ula within his home turf.
“This is a great test for our son Weta. If he loses, it will imply that he has no influence in his own backyard and that our community’s political standing will be weakened,” Lusaka told the gathering.
He underscored that the people of Chwele–Kabuchai should not view the by-election as an isolated local contest but as part of the larger strategy to consolidate the Western region’s influence in national politics.
Lusaka emphasized that the unity of the Mulembe nation—particularly among leaders from Bungoma and Kakamega—would be critical in shaping the community’s political future, especially as Kenya inches closer to the 2027 General Election.
“We must look beyond this by-election. Chwele and Malava are not just wards; they represent our strength and visibility on the national stage. Divisions at home only serve to weaken our voice,” he added.
The Governor, a long-time ally of Wetang’ula and a key figure in Western Kenya’s political bloc, warned that internal wrangles and political rivalries could erode the gains made in recent years toward uniting the region’s leadership under a common agenda.
He urged Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga and Speaker Wetang’ula to put aside their differences and work together for the good of the community, noting that no political disagreement is too deep to be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect.
“Leadership is about dialogue. I appeal to our brother Majimbo and our elder Weta to sit down and iron out any issues. Our people expect unity, not division,” said Lusaka.
The Chwele–Kabuchai Ward by-election was necessitated by the untimely death of the area’s Member of County Assembly, setting the stage for a heated political contest that has drawn attention beyond Bungoma County.
Observers view the mini-poll as a litmus test for Speaker Wetang’ula’s political clout in the region, particularly after his Ford Kenya party secured several key positions in the 2022 elections.
Local leaders and analysts note that the by-election could signal the direction Western Kenya politics might take ahead of 2027—either cementing Wetang’ula’s dominance or exposing fractures within the Luhya political landscape.
Governor Lusaka’s intervention, therefore, is seen as an attempt to rally unity and reinforce Wetang’ula’s position as a central figure in Western Kenya’s political equation.
As the campaigns intensify, residents of Chwele–Kabuchai are expected to weigh local development concerns against the broader narrative of regional solidarity and political influence.
Lusaka concluded his address by appealing to voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully and to prioritize the long-term interests of the community.
“Let us vote wisely and with dignity. This election is about our unity, our pride, and our future as a people,” he said.
