Ford Kenya Party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is facing renewed political heat after suffering a stinging defeat in the Chwele–Kabuchai Ward by-election.
The party’s candidate, Vincent Maunda, was overwhelmingly defeated by independent candidate Eric Wekesa, who swept all polling stations an outcome that has sparked debate across Bungoma politics.
What has caught national attention, however, is the unexpected criticism coming from Wetangula’s own brother, Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi.
Speaking in Bungoma shortly after the results were announced, Wanyonyi appeared to distance himself from Ford Kenya’s approach during the by-election, igniting fresh political conversations.
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Wanyonyi stated that the people of Kabuchai rejected what he termed as attempts by the Ford Kenya leadership to “force” a preferred candidate on the electorate.
According to the MP, the voters’ decision to back an independent candidate was a clear sign that residents are tired of political coercion and are increasingly asserting their democratic rights.
“People want to choose leaders for themselves. They do not want to be told what to do by those in powerful positions. The voters of Kabuchai sent a strong message that they are capable of making their own decisions,” Wanyonyi remarked, drawing murmurs from the crowd.
His statement has left Kenyans talking, considering his close family ties to Wetangula and their long-standing political alignment. Analysts now say Wanyonyi’s remarks could signal a deeper shift within Western Kenya politics, especially ahead of future electoral contests.
The defeat in Kabuchai and the public rebuke from his brother are seen as a major blow to Wetangula, whose party has traditionally enjoyed dominance in Bungoma.
As the dust settles, Ford Kenya may be forced to re-evaluate its grassroots strategy to avoid further embarrassment in the region.
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