Political temperatures in Bungoma County continued to rise over the weekend after Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa convened a parallel rally that coincided with heightened opposition activities in the region, underscoring the fierce contest between Kenya Kwanza allies and the United Opposition for influence among voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The United Opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his co-principals, pitched camp in Western Kenya for a three-day political tour aimed at popularising their coalition and rallying residents behind their bid to unseat President William Ruto in the next election.
However, in what appeared to be a strategic move to counter the opposition’s growing influence in Bungoma County, Barasa staged a separate rally at Lutungu Market in Kanduyi Constituency, where he sought to consolidate support for the Kenya Kwanza administration and challenge the opposition’s narrative.
The two political camps held their meetings less than two kilometres apart, highlighting the escalating rivalry between government and opposition factions as they battle for the hearts and minds of voters in the vote-rich Western Kenya region.
Addressing residents during the rally, Barasa dismissed the opposition’s efforts to woo Western Kenya voters, arguing that its leaders lacked a clear development agenda for the region.
The UDA legislator took issue with Gachagua’s tour of Western Kenya, accusing the former Deputy President of using public gatherings to advance divisive politics following his impeachment.
“Rigathi should stop pretending that he values this region because during his tenure as Deputy President he never toured this region to initiate a single development project. Why is he coming here now with promises and political rhetoric?” Barasa posed.
The MP urged residents to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration, insisting that the government remained committed to implementing development projects across the region despite criticism from its opponents.
Barasa, who has declared interest in succeeding Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka in the 2027 gubernatorial race, also used the rally to unveil his development agenda for the county.
He pledged to improve healthcare services, boost agricultural productivity, strengthen Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), and roll out a countywide environmental cleanliness programme dubbed “Ondoa Nyasi” if elected governor.
“My agenda for this great county is straightforward. I want to improve healthcare systems, support our farmers, strengthen Vocational Training Centres and implement the Ondoa Nyasi initiative across the county to ensure that our people are living in dignity,” he said.
The legislator also dismissed claims by political rivals that he attracts crowds through handouts distributed during public functions and funerals.
“I do not pay people to attend my meetings or follow me to funerals. The people of Bungoma follow me because they trust me and want to hear my vision for this county,” he stated.
Meanwhile, speaking during the opposition’s Western Kenya tour, Gachagua accused President Ruto’s administration of failing to fulfil key promises made to residents of the region during the 2022 election campaigns.
The former Deputy President cited stalled infrastructure projects, poor road networks, and the government’s decision to lease Nzoia Sugar Company instead of investing in its modernisation as examples of what he termed broken promises.
Gachagua urged Western Kenya voters to reject Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the region had not received its fair share of development despite overwhelmingly supporting the Kenya Kwanza coalition in the last election.
He also criticised the political cooperation agreement between Ford Kenya and Amani National Congress, describing it as a pact driven by personal interests rather than the welfare of the people of Western Kenya.
The rival rallies reflected the growing political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with both Kenya Kwanza and the opposition intensifying efforts to secure support in Western Kenya, a region expected to play a significant role in determining the country’s next political leadership.
