Bungoma, Kenya – September 3, 2025, 9:00 AM (EAT) – Kimilili MP and Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Didmus Barasa has warned that he may return to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) if Ford Kenya party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula fails to support his 2027 governorship bid.
Barasa, who defected from UDA to Ford Kenya after the 2022 elections, said he feels abandoned by the party he once fully embraced. Speaking on a local radio station, he accused Ford Kenya leaders of sidelining him in favor of Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who recently announced his return to Bungoma politics and interest in the county’s top brass.
Barasa Accuses Ford Kenya of Betrayal
According to Barasa, party members who once celebrated his move to Ford Kenya have now turned against him.
“Honestly speaking, I have been in Ford Kenya, but they don’t want me; the party leaders have refused to support me. They have all decided to throw their weight behind Tim Wanyonyi instead of cherishing me for joining earlier,” Barasa said.
He emphasized that only Moses Wetang’ula has assured him of support so far. However, he expressed concern that Wetang’ula has remained neutral, avoiding a firm stance on whether to back him or Wanyonyi.
Waiting on Wetang’ula’s Decision
Barasa revealed that his political future rests on Wetang’ula’s choice. If Wetang’ula supports his brother Tim Wanyonyi, Barasa says he will have no choice but to return to UDA, the party that sponsored him to Parliament in 2022.
“I am only waiting for one person – the Ford Kenya party leader. If Ford Kenya doesn’t want me, I will go back to UDA,” Barasa warned.
Barasa has also previously insisted that he will not participate in party primaries, making it clear that he intends to go straight to the ballot.
Bungoma Politics Heat Up
The Bungoma gubernatorial race is already shaping up as one of the most competitive contests in Western Kenya. Tim Wanyonyi, who briefly shifted his focus to Nairobi politics, now seeks to reclaim his influence in Bungoma.
Wetang’ula, who doubles as Ford Kenya leader and Speaker of the National Assembly, is seen as the kingmaker. His decision on whether to back Barasa or Wanyonyi could define Bungoma’s political landscape ahead of 2027.
👉 Explore more on Western Kenya politics and Didmus Barasa’s political career.
