By Elizabeth Mwibnda, Bungoma
President William Ruto’s visit to Bungoma took a dramatic turn when Kimilili lawmaker Didmus Barasa and erstwhile Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati engaged in a war of words, highlighting the growing political rivalry between the two as they eye the Bungoma governorship seat in the 2027 general elections.
The tension escalated on Friday during a ceremony in Bungoma town where President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Sh350 million modern Chepukube market.
In his remarks, MP Barasa took a swipe at Wangamati’s previous tenure, dismissing his bid to return to power.
“Some people (Wangamati) are like evening milk that should not be sold but kept for the family,”~ Didmus barasa
Barasa, known for his fiery speeches, described Wangamati as ‘evening milk’, a metaphor implying that he (Wangamati) was past sale by date.
“Some people (Wangamati) are like evening milk that should not be sold but kept for the family,” Barasa said. “I am the morning milk that can be sold.”
Governor Ken Lusaka vying on Ford Kenya ticket made a comeback after beating Wangamati of DAP-K with over 100,000 in the 2022 general elections. Lusaka had lost to Wangamati in the 2017 polls by a paltry 20,000 votes.
Barasa also took the opportunity to praise President Ruto for stabilizing Kenya’s economy, saying that the country is on the right track after two years under his leadership.
“We appreciate the President because he has helped to stabilize the economy, let’s all support him in delivering on his agenda,” Barasa urged, rallying the crowd behind the head of state,” said Barasa
The war of words comes on the heels of accusations from Wangamati, who had accused Barasa of mishandling National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) resources during his tenure.
A lawsuit has been filed by Barasa, claiming that Wangamati, alongside two other individuals, were orchestrating a campaign to tarnish his reputation for political gain.
Through his lawyer, Danstan Omari, Barasa argued that the individuals behind the accusations were politically motivated, seeking to undermine his future ambitions in Bungoma.
Sources close to President Ruto suggest that he is positioning Wangamati as his gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections
The lawsuit stated, “Our client (Barasa) believes you are angered and against our client’s future political and development plans for the people of Bungoma County. To our client, you appear to be hellbent on edging him out of future political races in Bungoma County.”
Wangamati’s response in the lawsuit was swift and direct, calling Barasa a “murderer, thief, and liar,” accusing him of failing to deliver on his promises and mismanaging public funds.
He also touted his own achievements during his time in office, including the completion of a 300-bed maternity wing at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, the development of a dual carriageway, subsidies on fertilizer, and educational scholarships for local students.
Sources close to President Ruto suggest that he is positioning Wangamati as his gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 elections, having appointed him as the chair of the Public Service Superannuation Fund Board of Trustees.
However, despite the public spat between Barasa and Wangamati, President Ruto refrained from commenting on the rivalry and kept a neutral stance on the matter.
