Didmus Barasa Reportedly Goes Into Hiding as Wetang’ula Brother Campaigns for Sifuna in Bungoma

Political tension is building in Bungoma County after Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi intensified his efforts to popularise Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political movement in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wanyonyi, who is seeking to become the next Bungoma governor, has been associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement led by Sifuna. His latest political activities in the county have attracted attention, particularly because of his rivalry with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa.

The development comes days after Barasa publicly announced that he had withdrawn his political support for National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over disagreements surrounding Bungoma’s political direction.

Barasa accused Wetang’ula of favouring his younger brother, Tim Wanyonyi, in the gubernatorial race. He also questioned the Speaker’s political position, claiming that his relationship with Wanyonyi had created a conflict of interest.

However, the allegations were made by Barasa and have not been independently established.

Wanyonyi’s association with Sifuna has also become more visible following his formal entry into the Linda Mwananchi Movement during the launch of its headquarters in Nairobi on October 30.

On November 2, he welcomed Matulo Ward MCA Stephen Kaiser Simiyu, popularly known as Steve Sonko, into the movement after the MCA left Ford Kenya.

The latest political developments have placed the Bungoma gubernatorial contest at the centre of growing political realignments.

Barasa is seeking the county’s top seat while maintaining his support for President William Ruto and the broad-based government.

Wanyonyi, on the other hand, is building his political networks through Sifuna’s movement.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the competition between the two leaders could shape political alliances across Bungoma.

Residents will be watching closely as both camps seek support ahead of the next polls.

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