Former Kabuchai parliamentary aspirant Evans Kakai has announced his intention to challenge Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli of Ford Kenya in the 2027 general election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a hotly contested senatorial race.

Speaking in Kabuchai Constituency on Saturday during the burial ceremony of Penina Juma, Kakai said his decision to seek the Bungoma Senate seat is driven by the need to offer fresh leadership, firm oversight and effective representation at the national level.

He argued that Bungoma County continues to suffer from persistent development gaps due to what he termed as weak oversight by the current Senate leadership.

“The Senate is a very critical institution when it comes to protecting devolution yet Bungoma has not benefited fully because of poor representation,” Kakai said.

Kakai also launched a sharp criticism of Senator Wakoli stating that the county needs a senator who can boldly execute oversight and hold the county executive accountable without being controlled by the party.

 He argued that the Senate seat should not be ceremonial but rather an active watchdog role meant to safeguard public resources.

 “Bungoma needs a strong senator who can put the governor on toes. Unfortunately, we have not seen that strength. Oversight has been weak putting public resources at risk,” he said.

The former aspirant further stated that once elected he would ensure that the governor and county departments operate transparently and within the law warning that misuse of funds would not be tolerated.

“Once I get the opportunity to serve I will put the governor on notice. Any misuse of public funds will be challenged firmly and openly. Bungoma deserves accountability,” Kakai asserted.

Kakai also highlighted his professional background noting that he has worked in various financial institutions giving him the experience and technical know-how required to effectively scrutinize budgets and expenditure at the county level.

He said this experience places him in a better position to serve as Bungoma’s senator.

“I understand finances and how resources should be utilized. The Senate requires people who can read budgets, question figures and protect public money and that is where my strength lies,” he said.

He pledged to prioritize oversight of key county departments particularly Health, Education and Roads which he said consume a significant portion of the county budget but often fail to deliver quality services to residents.

Kakai promised that under his leadership funds allocated to these departments would be closely monitored to ensure they are not tampered with and that projects are completed as intended.

“Health facilities must function, schools must benefit and our roads must be constructed. The money meant for these sectors must work for the people,” he said.

However, Kakai praised Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga stating that he has delivered his mandate as the Member of Parliament.

“Majimbo was my main challenger during my mission to become the Kabuchai MP but because he is working well there is no need for me to come and start disturbing him, I’m going for a bigger seat, senate,” he stated.

Also present was former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati who said that he embarked on de-campaigning Ford Kenya in the region.