The Ford Kenya Party defeat in the Chwele Kabuchai ward by-election in Bungoma County has continued to stir political debate, exposing deep frustrations within the party’s top leadership.
National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya party leader Honorable Moses Masika Wetangula suffered a major political setback after his preferred candidate, Vincent Maunda, was defeated by Eric Wekesa in a vote that surprised many observers.
During the campaign period, Speaker Wetangula personally camped in Kabuchai, urging residents to rally behind the Ford Kenya candidate. His intense involvement raised expectations of a comfortable win.
However, the final results painted a different picture, with voters choosing Eric Wekesa in what analysts have termed a protest vote against established political power brokers in the region.
The defeat took an unexpected turn during the funeral of Wetangula’s late brother, James Wetangula, where Bungoma County Governor His Excellency Kenneth Lusaka Makelo delivered a blunt political message.
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Speaking before mourners and political leaders, Governor Lusaka openly advised the Ford Kenya leadership to accept defeat and reflect on their mistakes instead of lamenting the loss.
According to Lusaka, electoral losses should serve as lessons rather than sources of endless complaints.
He urged the party to return to the drawing board, listen carefully to the people on the ground, and understand their real priorities if they hope to remain relevant in future leadership negotiations and elections.
The governor emphasized that voters are increasingly independent and are no longer swayed by big names or last-minute campaign appearances.
He warned that ignoring public concerns could cost even seasoned politicians crucial support, especially as the region’s political dynamics continue to shift ahead of the 2027 general election.
Lusaka’s remarks, captured on video and widely shared online, have sparked mixed reactions. While some Ford Kenya supporters viewed the comments as ill-timed, others praised the governor for speaking candidly.
The Kabuchai loss now stands as a defining moment for Ford Kenya, forcing its leadership to confront uncomfortable truths about its political standing in Bungoma County.
Watch the video below….
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