A political storm is brewing in Bungoma County after Sirisia Member of Parliament (MP) John Waluke and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka clashed over the role of coordinating President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign in the Western region.
The public spat erupted after Governor Lusaka was reportedly endorsed by a section of local leaders as the Western region coordinator for Ruto’s 2027 presidential bid, a move that Waluke has openly challenged arguing that such decisions must be made through broader consultations within the ruling coalition.
Further, Waluke argues that Lusaka is an imposter and he has no influence to convince the region to re-elect Ruto as the President.
“The person who is telling us that he is the President’s coordinator failed to deliver the Chwele/Kabuchai seat during the recent by-election to his Ford Kenya Party, how can he deliver the regional votes?” he posed.
Lusaka is the Deputy Party Leader of Ford Kenya.
Waluke dismissed the endorsement as premature and politically divisive, warning that sidelining elected leaders could fracture the region’s support base ahead of the next general election.
He notes that presidential campaigns should be contacted through the Western Parliamentary Caucus where he is the chairperson but not through Governor Lusaka. He says that the governors should form their campaign strategies rather than interfering with that of MPs and MCAs.
“Western has four governors, they should form their own President Ruto’s re-election strategy, if they succeed to win [Trans Nzoia] Governor George Natembeya into their team well and good,” Waluke stated.
He added: “Campaign coordination is not a one-man show. It requires unity, consultation and respect for all elected leaders. We cannot impose leadership on the people.”
Waluke insisted that grassroots leaders, Members of Parliament and party officials must be involved in structuring the campaign machinery to avoid internal wrangles that could weaken the president’s support in Western Kenya.
Lusaka defended his role, saying he remains loyal to the president and is committed to strengthening the ruling coalition’s presence in Bungoma. He downplayed the disagreement, terming it normal political discourse.
“Our focus should be development and ensuring the president secures a second term through performance and unity. Leadership comes with responsibility,” Lusaka said.
