Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called on political leaders to embrace one another despite their political affiliations, saying electoral competition should not breed enmity or undermine peaceful coexistence.
Lusaka said politics should be anchored on tolerance, mutual respect and constructive engagement, particularly as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
“Politics should not create enmity among leaders. We must learn to coexist, respect one another and tolerate divergent political views,” Lusaka said.
He made the remarks while in Luuya Bwake Ward, Kabuchai, during the send-off ceremony of Mama Alina Wakwabubi, the family matriarch of Senator Consolata Wakwabubi.
Lusaka noted that the Mulembe Nation has historically produced prominent leaders who have pursued the presidency, citing the late Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa and former Vice-President Musalia Mudavadi among others.
He observed that regional leaders had previously rallied behind presidential candidates from the region despite their eventual electoral outcomes, saying such political diversity was an important part of Kenya’s democratic tradition.
Lusaka also defended Senator Edwin Sifuna’s right to seek elective office, saying every leader should be allowed to present their agenda to the electorate.
“Sifuna has a democratic right to contest for any seat. This is his moment, and he should be allowed to sell his agenda to the people,” he said.
The Governor urged political leaders to concentrate on selling their respective agendas to residents rather than attacking their opponents, stressing that the electorate would ultimately determine their preferred leaders in 2027.
“The people are the ones who will decide who they want to elect in 2027. Our responsibility as leaders is to sell our agendas and allow the people to make their choice,” Lusaka said.
Lusaka, who is also President William Ruto’s Western Region re-election coordinator, further rallied support for the President’s development agenda, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and investments in healthcare as key interventions transforming Bungoma.
He highlighted ongoing road projects and the planned Sichei Level Six Hospital in Kabuchai, saying the investments would enhance healthcare services, improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and uplift livelihoods across the county.
Lusaka urged leaders to maintain peaceful and issue-based political engagement, saying development and the interests of residents should remain at the centre of political discourse as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
Among the leaders present were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna,Senator Catherine Muma, Senator Wafula Wakoli, Kabuchai MP Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula MP Hon. Jack Wamboka, among other leaders.
