Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa used the Jamhuri Day celebrations in Bungoma County to rally residents to support his bid for the gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election.
The event was attended by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and several leaders from the county.
Addressing residents, Barasa declared that he is ready and capable of taking over the county’s leadership once Governor Lusaka completes his tenure, arguing that his track record in Kimilili Constituency qualifies him to steer Bungoma’s development agenda.
He alleged that some of his political opponents had attempted to frustrate his efforts to traverse the county in search of support, particularly in Kanduyi Constituency.
However, Barasa maintained that he harbored no ill will towards anyone, insisting that his engagements with residents were purely aimed at popularizing his development vision for the county.
“There are those who feel uncomfortable whenever I visit Kanduyi to engage residents and ask them to support my bid, but I have no problem with anyone. I am simply seeking the support of the people of Bungoma,” Barasa said.
The outspoken legislator asserted that the transformation witnessed in Kimilili Constituency under his leadership could be replicated across Bungoma County if elected governor.
He cited several flagship projects implemented in the constituency, noting that Kimilili has increasingly become a benchmark for development among legislators.
“Kimilili is a constituency many MPs admire and come to benchmark because of the developments we have initiated. I can assure residents that the same model of development will be rolled out across Bungoma once I am elected governor,” he added.
Among the key projects highlighted was the near-completion of the Huduma Centre in Kimilili, which Barasa said would significantly reduce the cost and inconvenience faced by residents of Kimilili and neighbouring Mt Elgon Constituency who currently travel to Bungoma town to access government services.
“Previously, residents from Mt Elgon, Tongaren and Kimilili had to travel all the way to Bungoma town to seek a single government service. Once this Huduma Centre becomes operational, they will save both time and transport costs,” he said.
Barasa also outlined his priorities should he clinch the county’s top seat, including strengthening the healthcare system, upgrading Village Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and improving road infrastructure across the county.
Responding to Barasa’s claims, Kanduyi MP John Makali dismissed allegations that anyone had attempted to block him from campaigning in Kanduyi, stating that the constituency remains open to all leaders seeking to engage residents.
Barasa is expected to face stiff competition in the gubernatorial race, with Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, businessman Zacharia Barasa and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati also eyeing the seat.
