Bungoma County’s political landscape has taken a dramatic turn after Kimilili MP Didmus Wekesa Barasa declared his candidacy for the gubernatorial seat in 2027. The announcement has instantly jolted the field of hopefuls seeking to succeed Governor Kenneth Lusaka when his second and final term expires.
From Military to Parliament
Baraza’s story cuts across military discipline, academic pursuit, and political ambition. Before venturing into politics in 2017 under the Jubilee Party, the Kimilili MP served in the military. He later pursued a Master’s degree in Occupational Safety, Health, and Science at Queensland University in Australia. In 2021, he shifted allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), where he quickly rose to prominence as one of President William Ruto’s outspoken allies.
In Kimilili, Baraza’s leadership has drawn mixed reviews. Admirers credit him for investing CDF funds into schools, health facilities, and bursaries for needy students, while critics accuse him of being combative and polarizing.
Launching the Bid
On Friday, September 18, 2025, Baraza unveiled his gubernatorial bid at an empowerment rally in Mt. Elgon attended by Governor Lusaka, President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, and other leaders. In a fiery speech, he declared his intent to teach his rivals a “political lesson,” promising victory “asubuhi mapema sana”—at the crack of dawn.
At the same event, he donated KSh 200,000 toward community initiatives, adding to millions raised by other leaders. The move reinforced his reputation as a grassroots mobilizer who blends politics with development.
Rivals on Edge
Baraza’s entry unsettles a crowded race that includes Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi of ODM and seasoned auctioneer Zachary Baraza. While Wanyonyi has announced interest in the seat, his campaign has yet to gain visible traction in Bungoma. Didmus Baraza, on the other hand, has wasted no time in framing the contest as a battle for local leadership.
“Bungoma is not short of leaders and will not entertain imported politicians,” he declared, in an apparent jab at Wanyonyi. The crowd roared in approval, signaling the weight his message carries at the grassroots.
Backing Ruto, Building Ground
Baraza has also tied his gubernatorial bid to President Ruto’s development agenda, calling on residents to rally behind the president’s second-term bid. His dual strategy—championing county issues while aligning closely with the national government—could prove pivotal in a region where political loyalty is fiercely contested.
Loved and Loathed
Known for his crowd-pulling rallies and hard-hitting style, Baraza remains a figure both admired and resented. Supporters point to his visible projects in Kimilili, from classrooms to women empowerment initiatives, as proof of his effectiveness. Detractors argue his politics can be divisive.
Yet, as one boda boda rider in Chwele put it: “He started early, he has plans, and he is on the ground. It will be an uphill task for others in 2027.”
The Road to 2027
With two years to go before Bungoma voters head to the ballot, the stage is set for a bruising battle of personalities and visions. Didmus Baraza’s early entry has shifted the contest’s tone, forcing rivals to rethink their strategies.
For now, one thing is clear: Bungoma’s gubernatorial race is no longer business as usual.
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