Ford-Kenya has dealt a sharp blow to Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi’s 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial ambitions.
Speaking on Monday, December 29, party leaders led by Chairman, John Chikati dismissed Wanyonyi’s chances outright, insisting he is not a member of Ford-Kenya and has never participated in the party’s affairs. They argued that he(Wanyonyi), therefore, cannot claim to reject a party ticket he has never held.
The party leadership maintained that Ford-Kenya will conduct its own internal party primaries ahead of the 2027 General Election, stressing that the process will be democratic and open only to bona fide party members.
“We do not understand how a stranger can start purporting to be our member by dismissing a ticket he does not have,” the party leadership said in a statement.
The position places Wanyonyi, who was elected Westlands MP on an ODM ticket and has recently expressed interest in returning to Bungoma County to contest the governorship, on a collision course with Ford-Kenya. The party is led by his elder brother, National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula.
Political observers note that the remarks underscore growing tensions within Bungoma’s political landscape, as leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 race.
The development now sets the stage for a potentially complex and competitive political contest in Bungoma County, with party loyalty, regional influence and family dynamics likely to play a central role in shaping the race. #TimWanyonyi #FordKenya #Bungoma