Despite numerical advantage, the Avangachi community risks repeating past mistakes unless a united front emerges ahead of 2027.
The quest by the Avangachi community to capture the Webuye East parliamentary seat has remained elusive due to persistent disunity among aspirants and elders from the community.
Despite their numerical strength, aspirants have consistently pulled in different directions, while elders have often turned into brokers. This internal strife has allowed Members of Parliament from other Tachoni sub-clans to be elected.
The first Member of Parliament after the hiving off Webuye East from the larger Webuye Constituency was Hon. Alfred Sambu from the Avasang’alo clan. Hon. Sambu, who was a darling and pride of the wider Tachoni community, served diligently until his retirement from politics due to age.
In recent years, the Ngachi elders have been embroiled in infighting, with little-known Mr. Kingsley Mutali working behind the scenes to dethrone senior elders and installing Patrick Manyonge—an outsider—as Chairman of the Ngachi community.
Mutali and Manyonge have remained largely aloof from mainstream community leadership and are widely perceived as political brokers rather than unifying leaders. They are accused of being stooges of the current MP, Hon. Martin Wanyonyi, and their attempts to form TACUNET have failed to attract support.
In the 2022 general elections, Hon. Martin Wanyonyi capitalized on the Avangachi’s divisions—who fielded three candidates—and won the seat. The community continues to suffer from internal divisions, with its own aspirants attacking each other instead of uniting.
As it stands, five candidates from the Avangachi community have declared their interest in unseating Hon. Wanyonyi.
A critical numerical analysis of the perceived Nganci Popularity Index looks as below:
Popularity Index (PI) %
Carol Buyela 24%; Dr. Wanjala Iyaya 16%; Aggrey Namisi 20%; Thomas Yisevele 23% and Evans Murumba 17%.
A runner-up in the last election, Dr. Iyaya abandoned his supporters soon after his loss. He has not declared any intention to run in 2027, having shifted his base away from the constituency. He is currently invisible on the ground and rarely participates in constituency activities.
When he has made appearances in the area, he has avoided political discussions, leading many to speculate that he may not vie in the upcoming elections.
Mr. Aggrey Namisi
The Second National Vice Chairman of KNUT and a 2022 candidate, Namisi appears to be preparing for another run. He has remained visible at public events, particularly funerals and fundraisers, across the constituency.
He leverages his networks among teachers to stay relevant and present. However, he carries the burden of a “foreigner” tag after his family migrated from Webuye East years ago and settled in Miendo, Webuye West. Though he has attempted to shed this label by building a home in Maraka (Webuye East), many still question his true intentions.
Some believe he should focus on advancing within KNUT, where he stands a realistic chance of clinching a key national office.
Mr. Evans Murumba
A perennial aspirant, Murumba is known more for his online presence through hired bloggers than actual ground engagement. He has never made it to the ballot, often losing in party nominations before retreating to Mombasa, where he resides and works—only to resurface during campaign seasons.
In the last election, he was handpicked by then-Governor Wycliffe Wangamati as his running mate after losing to Namisi in the ODM primaries. However, Murumba failed to mobilize support for the ticket, contributing to a resounding defeat. Governor Wangamati has since distanced himself from Murumba, choosing instead to work with his first Deputy, Prof. Ngome Kibanani.
Murumba is widely seen as a political liability—lacking resources, mobilization skills, and grassroots support. He often operates through elders like Wasilwa Se Wekesa and his father, retired Councilor Winson Nakitare. He is frequently perceived as a spoiler, a stooge of the incumbent MP whose role is to split the Avangachi vote.
Thomas Isoka Nakitare (Yisevele)
A new entrant who has quickly gained traction, Yisevele has endeared himself to voters through generosity and consistent presence on the ground. His popularity has sent shockwaves among political bigwigs, with reports that major parties such as Ford Kenya, DAP-K, and UDA are eyeing him because of his grassroots mobilization strength.
Yisevele appeals strongly to the youth due to his age, style, and energy. He has supported sports, youth, and women’s groups. His purchase of the sacred Esitabicha land—used for Tachoni cultural festivities—has significantly boosted his standing with community elders.
With strong mobilization capacity, he is considered a top contender. Some argue he could either be the king or the kingmaker in the 2027 race. Despite overtures from Hon. Martin Wanyonyi’s camp, he has remained firm on running independently, vowing to go all the way to the finish line.
Critics, however, point to his political inexperience as a first-time candidate. They argue that he needs to widen his network, especially in Maraka Ward, where he lacks firm roots.
Caro Buyela
A strong ground mobilizer, Buyela was also on the ballot in the last election and remains a serious contender, particularly among youth and women. She is frequently present at fundraisers and community events, maintaining a strong local presence.
Observers believe that with sufficient resources, she could mount a formidable campaign. However, Many suggest that she should consider teaming up with Yisevele so that they can front a united candidate against the incumbent.
Way Forward
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, it is evident that the Avangachi community faces a pivotal moment. Unless they can rally behind a unified candidate, they risk handing Hon. Martin Wanyonyi another term.
The time has come for the community to call its sons and daughters to order—to put aside personal ambitions and focus on collective success.
The battleifor the heart and soul of Avangachi has begun.