National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula faces new political pressure in his Bungoma backyard after a Ford Kenya-elected Member of County Assembly defected to the Linda Mwananchi Movement Party, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. The man who welcomed him is Wetang’ula’s own younger brother.
Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who is eyeing the Bungoma governorship in 2027, officially received Matulo Ward MCA Stephen Kaiser Simiyu, popularly known as Steve Sonko.
“I officially welcomed Matulo Ward MCA, Hon. Stephen Kaiser Simiyu, popularly known as Steve Sonko, to the Linda Mwananchi Movement Party following his defection from Ford Kenya,” Wanyonyi said. “We welcome all like-minded individuals to join us on this journey as we work towards a better Kenya and making Bungoma a model county.”
He added the hashtags #SiMimiNiSisi and #SisiNiSifuna, signaling his alignment with Sifuna’s movement.
The development carries a family dimension. Wetang’ula leads Ford Kenya and is a key ally of President William Ruto, while Wanyonyi has publicly said the two brothers stand on opposite sides of the political divide.
Analysts have previously warned that the Speaker could face a difficult contest in Bungoma if his brother is on the governor’s ballot.
Observers say Wetang’ula may need to consolidate his party’s base in the region if he is to deliver votes for Ruto’s 2027 reelection bid. The exit of elected leaders, even at ward level, can signal shifting loyalties as aspirants reposition ahead of the General Election.
Neither Wetang’ula nor Ford Kenya had publicly responded to the defection at the time of writing.
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