Blow to Wetang’ula as Popular Bungoma Politician Backs Edwin Sifuna for President in 2027

Former Bungoma Governor Wafula Wangamati has shifted his political allegiance and joined the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, signalling a new political direction in Bungoma County and the wider Western region, in a move that could challenge National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s political influence.

Wangamati announced on Friday, July 17, 2026, during a meeting held ahead of Sifuna’s planned homecoming ceremony in Bungoma.

“You wanted me to come, now I have come and I stand behind our young leader Sifuna and this Linda Mwananchi. From today, I will lead opposition politics here in Bungoma on behalf of our leader,” Wangamati said.

He stated that his decision aims to rally the region behind a single political direction, urging leaders in Bungoma County to unite under the movement and support what he described as a people-driven agenda ahead of upcoming political activities.

Wafula Wangamati Urges Aspirants to Prioritise Unity First

Wangamati also addressed aspirants seeking various elective seats in Bungoma County and asked them to prioritise unity before engaging in competitive politics.

He emphasised the need to first build a strong political structure within the movement.

He noted that discussions on positions such as governor, senator, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assembly would come later after leaders establish a clear roadmap.

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At the same time, Wangamati confirmed that he will participate in a Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Kitale on July 25. The event will precede Sifuna’s homecoming at Posta Grounds in Bungoma on July 26.

He urged residents across Bungoma and neighbouring areas to attend both events in large numbers to support the movement and its leadership.

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Tensions Ahead of Bungoma Homecoming

However, political tension has emerged ahead of the Bungoma event as Wangamati addressed reports of a planned parallel meeting near the venue, allegedly linked to Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.

Wangamati maintained that Sifuna’s homecoming will proceed as planned despite any parallel activities.

Furthermore, Wangamati called on leaders and supporters aligned with the movement to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts and use available platforms to publicise the upcoming rallies.

He also acknowledged the role of his former deputy, Charles Ngome, in leading grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the homecoming event.

Before this latest political shift, Wangamati built his political career under the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya (FORD), where he won the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in 2017. The party is associated with Moses Wetang’ula, a key political figure in the Western region.

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Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino during Linda Mwananchi Rally in Nakuru
PHOTO/Sifuna