National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s endorsement of former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as the preferred Kenya Kwanza candidate for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial race has triggered sharp reactions from leaders within the coalition in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.
The move has exposed growing divisions within Kenya Kwanza, with leaders affiliated to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rejecting Wetangula’s assertion that the coalition should field only a Ford Kenya candidate in the race to unseat incumbent Governor George Natembeya.
Speaker Wetangula endorsed Nakhumicha during a meeting held on June 21 that was attended by community leaders, stating that she was the most suitable candidate to challenge Governor Natembeya in the 2027 General Election.
However, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, both of whom have expressed interest in the governorship, have opposed the endorsement and dismissed claims that Nakhumicha is the sole Kenya Kwanza candidate.
Speaking to one of the media stations, Bisau argued that Nakhumicha lacks sufficient political support in the county and criticized what he described as attempts by Ford Kenya to impose a candidate on the electorate.
“Susan Nakhumicha does not have the popularity needed to win this seat. The people of Trans Nzoia should be allowed to decide their leader without being forced to support a preferred candidate,” said Bisau.
Bisau, who won the Kiminini parliamentary seat on a DAP-Kenya ticket in the 2022 General Election, has since fallen out with the party leadership led by Eugene Wamalwa and is now seeking the governorship through UDA.
Despite the opposition, Wetangula has maintained that any aspirant seeking Kenya Kwanza’s support for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat should join Ford Kenya and participate in the party’s nomination process.
“If Kakai Bisau wants the support of Kenya Kwanza, he should join Ford Kenya and compete against Susan Nakhumicha in the party nominations,” Wetangula reportedly said.
Meanwhile, political dynamics in neighboring Bungoma County continue to evolve, with Ford Kenya yet to produce a strong gubernatorial contender. UDA’s Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Wetlands MP Tim Wanyonyi remain among the leading figures eyeing the seat.
Tim Wanyonyi has previously indicated that he has no intention of contesting the governorship through a Ford Kenya ticket.
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa also criticized Wetangula’s position, insisting that he remains committed to contesting the governorship and expressing confidence in his chances of winning.
“I am prepared to go to the ballot and I believe the people will give me the mandate to lead Trans Nzoia County,” said Wamalwa.
At the same time, some Members of Parliament from Bungoma County have called on Bisau and Wamalwa to rally behind Susan Nakhumicha in an effort to strengthen Kenya Kwanza’s chances of defeating Governor George Natembeya.
