Nairobi: Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged political leaders to put aside their differences and embrace tolerance, warning that political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election should not create divisions and enmity in the region. Lusaka emphasized the importance of respecting divergent political views and focusing on presenting policies and development agendas to voters instead of attacking rivals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lusaka made these remarks at Luuya Bwake Ward in Kabuchai during the burial of Mama Alina Wakwabubii, the matriarch of Senator Consolata Wakwabubii’s family. He highlighted the Luhya community’s history of producing leaders who sought the presidency, referencing former Vice-Presidents Michael Kijana Wamalwa and Musalia Mudavadi. Lusaka urged that political competition should not harm relationships among leaders and their supporters, emphasizing coexistence and tolerance.
Lusaka also defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s decision to run for the presidency, asserting that every politician has a democratic right to present their agenda to the electorate. He stressed the importance of allowing voters to make the final decision in the 2027 polls, advocating for issue-based campaigns and peaceful political engagement. Lusaka, who is President William Ruto’s Western region re-election coordinator, rallied support for Ruto’s re-election, citing ongoing infrastructure projects and investments in the health sector as key achievements.
The governor’s comments come amid political maneuvering in Western Kenya as leaders position themselves for the upcoming elections. Sifuna, who also attended the burial, reaffirmed his presidential ambitions and rejected the idea of settling for the Deputy President’s position in favor of President Ruto. He expressed a strong determination to pursue the presidency, urging Western Kenya to leverage its numbers and political maturity to field a competitive candidate.
Other notable attendees at the event included Senators Catherine Muma and Wafula Wakoli, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka. The gathering underscored the ongoing discussions and potential alliances forming in the region as the 2027 elections approach.
