Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati launched a blistering critique of National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula during a fiery interview on a Nairobi vernacular radio station Sulwe FM on Thursday, September 11, 2025.
Wangamati accused Wetang’ula of authoritarianism and prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of Bungoma residents.
SLEEPING GIANT
In a sharp rebuke, Wangamati criticized Wetang’ula for failing to leverage his influential position to secure resources for Bungoma.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, Wetang’ula has not mobilized adequate resources for our people,” Wangamati charged.
He pointed to unfulfilled promises, including Wetang’ula’s pledge to facilitate opportunities for Bungoma’s youth in military, police, and prison service training programs.
“Where are the fleets of lorries he promised to transport our sons and daughters?” Wangamati asked pointedly.
LORD OF VIOLENCE
Wangamati also distanced himself from allegations of inciting political violence in Bungoma, a charge frequently leveled by Ford Kenya.
“I don’t distribute weapons to goons—that’s Wetang’ula’s domain,” he declared, referencing a viral video allegedly showing Ford Kenya leaders, including a female member and MCAs, threatening violence ahead of the Chwele-Kabuchai ward by-election to replace the late Ford Kenya MCA Barasa Mukhongo.
POLITICAL WITCH HAND
The former governor attributed a string of personal and political setbacks to Wetang’ula’s interference, including court cases that stalled key projects like a dual carriageway, a 300-bed maternity hospital, and a scholarship program for needy students. Wangamati further alleged that Wetang’ula orchestrated his removal from office, the demolition of his father’s building in Kanduyi, his dismissal from a national appointment, and ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
“How many cases is Wetang’ula pursuing against others, like those involving Lusaka or the County Assembly?” he questioned.
LAUGHABLE AMBITIONS
Dismissing Wetang’ula’s rumored presidential ambitions, Wangamati contrasted him with Musalia Mudavadi, who has previously run for president.
“Wetang’ula uses the idea of a presidential bid to manipulate the Luhya community and stay relevant,” he scoffed.
FRONTING HIS BROTHER
He also suggested that Wetang’ula is behind the candidacy of Westlands MP Tim Wetang’ula for Bungoma’s gubernatorial seat, despite Tim’s public disavowal of the Wetang’ula family.
On potential collaboration with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Wangamati remained noncommittal, stating, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He predicted a polarized 2027 election in Bungoma, pitting Ford Kenya against a coalition determined to unseat Wetang’ula’s influence.
TIPPING THE COUNTY CLERK
Wangamati also issued a stern warning to Bungoma County Assembly Clerk Charles Wafula, urging him to resist any pressure to misappropriate resources.
“New leadership at the Assembly could investigate past misdeeds and hold the clerk accountable,” he cautioned.
The interview intensified the long-standing rivalry between Wangamati and Wetang’ula, with the former governor crediting his exit from Ford Kenya for his achievements in Bungoma.
“I could never have delivered these projects while under Ford Kenya’s control,” Wangamati asserted. “I’d rather retire from politics than return to that party.”
This explosive exchange has set the stage for a heated political showdown in Bungoma as the 2027 elections loom.