Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has endorsed former Bungoma County Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Patrick Wandili as his preferred successor for the Kimilili parliamentary seat describing him as the most suitable candidate to sustain the constituency’s development agenda.
Barasa, who is seeking the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election unveiled Wandili during a meeting at his Nasianda home, where the former chief officer officially joined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
The endorsement signals the beginning of succession politics in Kimilili as Barasa shifts his focus to the county’s top seat after serving two terms as the area’s Member of Parliament.
Speaking during the event, Wandili, a veteran educationist who previously served as Chief Principal of St. Luke’s Kimilili Boys High School before joining the Bungoma County Government as chief officer for health and sanitation thanked Barasa for expressing confidence in his leadership and backing his parliamentary bid.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Kimilili for the support they accorded him throughout his public service career.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the people of Kimilili for the unwavering support you gave me when I served as the Principal of St. Luke’s Kimilili Boys High School. You also stood with me during my tenure as the Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation between 2017 and 2022,” Wandili said.
The former chief officer said his experience in both the education and health sectors had equipped him with the leadership and administrative skills necessary to represent the people of Kimilili in Parliament.
He pledged to prioritize improved healthcare, education, infrastructure and youth empowerment if elected in the 2027 polls.
Wandili also rallied residents to support Barasa’s bid for the Bungoma governorship, saying the legislator’s development record in Kimilili speaks for itself.
Wandili says during his tenure at the county health department saw significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure particularly within Kimilili Constituency.
He cited the construction of Kibingei Dispensary, the establishment of maternity wings in several health facilities and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services.
“My work can be seen and felt across the county. If elected as the Member of Parliament, I will build on that experience to ensure the people of Kimilili receive quality services and accelerated development,” he said.
Barasa urged residents to rally behind Wandili, describing him as a competent, experienced and development-oriented leader capable of advancing the constituency’s interests after his exit.
The MP said the former chief officer possesses the integrity, professional background and public service experience needed to effectively represent the people of Kimilili in the National Assembly.
The race to succeed Barasa is already attracting several aspirants, with lawyer Brian Khaemba, politician Abdul-Aziz Mulama and Joshua Makokha among those who have declared interest in the seat ahead of the 2027 general election.
During the event the MP also received aspirants who are seeking to run for the UDA party.
