Wangamati hands power back to Lusaka after a five-year tumultuous reign as Bungoma Governor

By Dennis Avokoywa and Seliphar Musungu, Bungoma

Outgoing Senate Ken Lusaka has officially taken over the reigns of leadership from his predecessor Wycliffe Wangamati.

Lusaka who was sworn in today at Kibabii University is serving his second term as area governor. He served between 2013-2017 but lost to Wangamati.

Area senator Moses Wetang’ula the fall of Lusaka as Bungoma governor and introduced Wangamati, a political novice, who got 197,422 votes against Lusaka’s 175, 929 votes.

But in May 2020, Wangamati plotted a botched coup in Ford Kenya together with Wafula Wamunyinyi (ex Kanduyi and Eseli Simiyu (then Tongaren MP) to remove Wetang’ula as Ford Kenya party leader.

After the coup, Wetang’ula reintroduced Lusaka to the people of Bungoma after they mended fences and after the August 9 polls, all the coup plotters were sent packing.

Wangamati as DAP-K gubernatorial candidate got 137,378 votes. Lusaka, a Ford Kenya candidate recaptured his seat after garnering 241,695 votes.

“Five years ago, we were in this same circumstance, only Governor Lusaka then was handing over to me. Today, I am handing over to him and 5 years from now, there will be yet another handover. Only God can tell to who! The most important thing is we must all purpose to do our part, make a difference and leave a mark,” said Wangamati while returning power back to Lusaka

“To the people of Bungoma, I carry within me a huge sense of gratitude – gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve you as the second Governor of Bungoma. It has been a fulfilling experience working at the feet of the people of Bungoma and sharing in their dreams, hope and fears,” he added

Wangamati said he enjoyed working for the people of Bungoma as area Governor.

“To Governor Ken Lusaka and your team, congratulations and all the best in your new responsibility. I am rooting for you because when you succeed the people of Bungoma will succeed,” said Wangamati

Ends