Ford Kenya Party has responded to comments by Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Tim Wanyonyi, who recently stated that he will not contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in 2027 on a Ford Kenya ticket.
Wanyonyi, who has expressed interest in the Bungoma governor’s race, has received support from leaders across the political divide.
He has served as Westlands MP since 2013, winning three consecutive terms. Following his declaration, he received a warm reception in Bungoma, with many residents expressing hope that his leadership would spur development in the county.
Despite the growing support, Wanyonyi has not declared the political party he intends to use in his gubernatorial bid.
He was previously elected on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, led by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a consultative meeting in Misikhu, Wanyonyi told residents that he had not yet decided on the party he would vie on, but made it clear that he would not contest under the Ford Kenya Party led by his brother, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
In a quick rejoinder, Ford Kenya officials led by the party’s Secretary General and Tongareni MP John Chikati asked Wanyonyi to refrain from involving the party in his political activities, noting that he is not a member.
Speaking to the press in Webuye, Chikati emphasized that Wanyonyi neither belongs to Ford Kenya nor has he shown any intention of seeking the party’s ticket in 2027.
“Tim Wanyonyi is a member of ODM and has never expressed interest in contesting on a Ford Kenya ticket,” Chikati said. “We have never engaged him in the management of Ford Kenya or in any of the party’s political activities.”
Chikati further stated that Ford Kenya has not endorsed Wanyonyi as its gubernatorial flag bearer and urged him to distance himself from the party’s affairs.
He noted that Ford Kenya will field its own favorite candidate through established nomination processes ahead of the elections.
The secretary-general assured party members that Ford Kenya remains strong and confident of retaining the Bungoma governorship after the tenure of Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
“I want to assure our members and the people of Bungoma that our party is intact and the next governor will come from Ford Kenya,” he said, adding that Wanyonyi should campaign freely without associating himself with the party.
Chikati also criticized Wanyonyi’s leadership, claiming he lacks the ability to unite people and announced that Ford Kenya leaders have been instructed not to campaign for him.
He added that if Wanyonyi seeks the party’s support in the future, he would be required to publicly apologize to Ford Kenya members and formally join the party.
“If he decides to work with us in the future, he must come out openly and apologize to our members and the people of Bungoma,” Chikati said.
Addressing reports of an earlier endorsement meeting held mid-year 2025 attended by nine out of ten Bungoma MPs and over 60 MCAs, Chikati clarified that the leaders attended in their individual capacities and not on behalf of Ford Kenya.
He maintained that the party has since assessed Wanyonyi’s political moves and concluded that he is not fit for the governor’s seat, insisting that Ford Kenya’s eventual candidate will defeat him.
Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli echoed Chikati’s sentiments, stating that the party will strictly follow its guidelines in selecting a flag bearer.
He cautioned residents against turning the gubernatorial race into a matter of family or personal differences, stressing that effective county leadership should be the priority.
“Managing county government is above family and personal interests. If we fail to choose wisely, we risk taking Bungoma backwards,” Wakoli said.
He assured residents that Ford Kenya will present a formidable candidate committed to advancing the county’s development agenda.
Ford Kenya has historically enjoyed strong support in Bungoma, having produced two governors under devolution, former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and the current Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Meanwhile, Wanyonyi is expected to face off with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, who has previously been endorsed by Ford Kenya Party Leader and former Governor Wangamati.
Among those present at the Webuye meeting were Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, Bungoma County Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Juma Nyongesa and several Ford Kenya MCAs, both elected and nominated.
