Former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati’ s recent political move has stirred considerable attention. He publicly announced his decision to join President William Ruto’ s Kenya Kwanza coalition, citing a direct invitation from Ruto himself. Wangamati, who previously served as Bungoma’ s governor from 2017 to 2022, faced a notable defeat in the last election when he lost the gubernatorial seat to Kenneth Lusaka of Ford Kenya.
Speaking at a funeral service in Bumula, Wangamati shared that after his electoral defeat, President Ruto contacted him to discuss the possibility of collaboration. The conversation led to an agreement to work together, focusing on the development of Bungoma and the country as a whole. He emphasized that his intention was not to undermine anyone but to contribute positively to the region’ s growth.
Wangamati’ s decision to align with President Ruto attracted both praise and criticism. He commended Ruto for his past contributions to the country, particularly during his tenure as Minister for Agriculture. On the other hand, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah criticized Wangamati’ s departure from Azimio, expressing a strong commitment to the alliance alongside former CS Eugene Wamalwa.
Wajackoyah also called on Luhya leaders within the government to support the region’ s development. Notably, DAP- K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, present at the funeral, refrained from commenting on the situation.
Rumors about Wangamati’ s political shift began circulating when he was photographed alongside President Ruto and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala. However, Wangamati’ s move faced opposition from Bungoma Ford Kenya MPs and MCAs, who argued that his past conflicts with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ ula should disqualify him from joining Kenya Kwanza.
Allegedly, Wangamati was part of a group that sought to remove Wetang’ ula from Ford Kenya ahead of the 2022 general elections, along with former MPs Eseli Simiyu (Tongaren) and Wafula Wamunyinyi (Kanduyi).
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