Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi have intensified efforts to secure the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) ticket ahead of the 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race, setting the stage for a potentially competitive nomination battle.
The two leaders are seeking to position themselves within the emerging political outfit associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as they seek to consolidate political support across the county ahead of the next general election.
Businessman and political activist Zacharia Barasa has also expressed interest in securing the movement’s ticket as he seeks to join the race to succeed incumbent governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Speaking in Khasoko Ward, Bumula Constituency, during a public engagement with his supporters, Wanyonyi announced that he had ditched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for the Linda Mwananchi Movement, declaring his commitment to the outfit.
“I want to affirm and confirm that I’m firmly in the Linda Mwananchi party, therefore I will only work with those in that party,” Wanyonyi stated.
He said that the growing political movement needs grassroots support as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
“Linda Mwananchi is open to everyone who believes in a new direction for our country, we want more leaders and ordinary citizens to come on board and help build this movement,” he said.
The Westlands MP has been traversing Bungoma County, meeting various groups and political leaders’ as he seeks to popularize his gubernatorial ambitions and build grassroots support.
His bid has also attracted the backing of a section of elected leaders, including Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, alongside a number of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
The support from the legislators is expected to shape the emerging political alignments within the Linda Mwananchi camp as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.
During his Khasoko tour, Wanyonyi also welcomed Matulo Ward MCA Stephen Kaiser into the movement, describing the development as part of efforts to expand its political influence in the county.
“Today we are receiving Matulo Ward MCA Kaiser who was initially in Ford Kenya in our biggest political party. In the near future, we shall receive more aspirants in our party,” he added.
Wanyonyi further described himself as the foot soldier of the Linda Mwananchi Movement in Bungoma, pledging to mobilize support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions while strengthening the outfit’s grassroots presence.
Meanwhile, former governor Wangamati has also stepped up his political activities, conducting countywide tours and holding meetings with various groups in an apparent effort to revive his political fortunes.
Wangamati, who lost the gubernatorial seat to Lusaka in the 2022 general election, maintains that he remains firmly in the race to reclaim the position, citing his development record during his tenure.
He has continued to argue that his administration’s projects and achievements remain visible across the county, insisting that his track record will be central to his campaign.
The emerging contest within the Linda Mwananchi camp comes amid growing pressure on Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa to abandon the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the movement.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka recently challenged Barasa to reconsider his political allegiance and support Sifuna’s presidential ambitions, arguing that aligning himself with the movement would be important for his political pursuits.
“Didmus, if you want to win any election position you are seeking, please dump Ruto and support Sifuna,” Wamboka told Barasa during the burial of the mother of former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli.
Wamboka’s remarks came a day after Barasa announced that he had ended political ties with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, accusing him of backing his younger brother, Tim Wanyonyi, in the Bungoma gubernatorial contest.
Earlier, MP Barasa had shown indications that he would vie for the gubernatorial position on Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya party.
However, Barasa has maintained that he will seek the Bungoma governorship on a UDA ticket, signaling that he is not ready to join the emerging Linda Mwananchi political camp.
