By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
A political dispute has erupted in Bungoma County after Sirisia MP John Waluke and Governor Kenneth Lusaka clashed over who should steer President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign in Western Kenya.
The disagreement followed reports that a section of local leaders had endorsed Lusaka to coordinate the President’s campaign in the region. Waluke rejected the move, saying such a decision should involve broader consultations within the ruling coalition.
At the centre of the dispute is who will coordinate the President’s campaign millions that are expected to flow into the region ahead of the next general election.
Mr Waluke questioned Lusaka’s political influence, citing the recent Chwele/Kabuchai by-election, where Ford Kenya failed to secure victory. “How can he be trusted to deliver regional votes?” he asked.
Lusaka serves as deputy party leader of Ford Kenya under party leader Moses Wetangula.
The MP described the endorsement as divisive and premature, warning that sidelining elected leaders could undermine support for William Ruto in the region.
He argued that campaign planning should be coordinated through the Western Parliamentary Caucus, which he chairs, rather than through the governor’s office. He also called for unity among Western Kenya’s governors, suggesting a collective strategy ahead of the 2027 poll.
Governor Lusaka, however, defended his position, saying his priority was to support the President and strengthen the coalition’s footing in Bungoma. He downplayed the dispute as routine political debate and urged leaders to focus on development and unity.
“Our focus should be on development and ensuring the President secures a second term,” he said.
