Webuye East Constituency MP Martin Pepela addressing residents in his constituency during the launch of two classrooms at Webuye PAG Primary School/HANDOUT
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has received a major boost in his bid for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat after Webuye East MP Martin Pepela Wanyonyi publicly endorsed his campaign.
The Webuye MP has since shifted from the camp of Barasa's close competitor, Tim Wanyonyi (Westlands MP), and added momentum to the political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Pepela heaped praise on Barasa, describing him as a development-orientated leader capable of transforming the county if elected.
Speaking in his constituency during the launch of two classrooms at Webuye PAG Primary School, Pepela urged Bungoma voters to rally behind Barasa, saying his development record and plans for the county place him in a strong position to lead the county.
“Didmus Barasa is a development-orientated leader. We should give him an opportunity to serve Bungoma as governor because he has demonstrated that he understands the needs of our people,” Pepela stated.
Pepela singled out Barasa’s plan to construct Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across the county, saying investment in early education would provide a strong foundation for children while improving learning conditions at the grassroots.
“My colleague Didmus Barasa has a plan to construct ECDE centres, and this is the kind of leadership Bungoma needs. We need leaders who can identify challenges facing our people and come up with practical solutions,” he said.
The endorsement comes as Barasa continues to consolidate support from different sections of the county in what is increasingly becoming a competitive race to succeed Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Pepela said Bungoma required a leader capable of uniting residents while accelerating development across the county.
“Didmus has shown that he is ready to take the responsibility of leading Bungoma. I support his bid and will work with other leaders to ensure that our people make an informed decision in 2027,” Pepela said.
Barasa also appears to be benefiting from shifting political alliances within Ford Kenya. Several MPs from the party had initially endorsed Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi for the gubernatorial race but later withdrew their support, with some now warming up to Barasa’s candidature.
The changing alliances could significantly reshape the gubernatorial contest as aspirants seek to build broad-based support across Bungoma’s communities and political constituencies.
Barasa has in recent months received endorsements from sections of the Iteso community in Bungoma, members of the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), led by Bungoma Executive Secretary Augustine Luketelo, as well as Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
The clergy from different churches have also publicly expressed support for his bid, adding a religious and community leadership dimension to his growing political coalition.
The endorsements come as Barasa intensifies his grassroots mobilisation, engaging community groups and local leaders across the county.
His campaign has also focused on empowering women and youth groups, with the MP recently distributing financial support to groups in different wards.
