Reports on social media indicate that a media personality’s entry into 2027 Bungoma Senatorial bid is causing panic among his rivals.
Zaccheus Mwasame’s entry into the murky World of politics has caught his opponents by surprise with some dismissing him as a nondescript but he is soldering on.
Currently the seat is held by Ford Kenya’s David Wafula Wakoli after the resignation of the then Senator Moses Wetang’ula to become the current Speaker of the National Assembly.
Despite the fact that Mwasame has not come out to declare his candidature but going by the posts being made on social media, he might have made up his mind to challenge the incumbent in 2027.
Mwasame’s life story is one of resilience, ambition, and unwavering commitment to his dreams.
Born from a humble background in Nalutiri, Ndengelwa location in Kanduyi constituency, Mwasame grew up in a small village where poverty was a constant challenge.
Having often walked to school barefoot, a reality that served as both a burden and a motivator.
These early hardships shaped his character, instilling in him a powerful work ethic and a resolve to pursue education despite the odds.
His efforts paid off when he earned a chance to join FSK high school, where he was able to sharpen his academic skills.
He later moved to Bokoli boys high school while in form three after his parents were unable to raise his school fees.
“Before I joined Bokoli boy’s high school, I once worked as a herd boy where despite the hardships, I managed to raise some coins which helped me to join the school and pursue education, I went ahead to be picked as the head boy then,” he said.
After his short stint at the school, he passed with flying colours and managed through well wishers to join Masinde Muliro university of science and technology in Kakamega County where he pursued a degree in education.
Mwasame would later on become a business man in Bungoma town where he supplied tree seedlings to various institutions and farmers.
He says his ambition to become a broadcaster was burning inside him after he heard of prominent figures in the journalism World including Jacob Maunda, Bill Omalla, Fred Obachi Machoka among others.
One thing led to the other and with God’s favour Mwasame landed a job with a Bungoma based West FM as a continuity presenter.
He would later join Nyota FM as a news reader before luck followed him and he landed another job at NTV as a Reporter for Western region.
Having sharpened his broadcasting skills at the largest media house, his hard work and dedication saw him rise to the position of senior journalist.
At NTV, Mwasame became known for his integrity, balanced reporting, and the deep empathy he showed for the companies, parastatals and people he covered.
Mwasame, after leaving NTV is currently working closely with President William Ruto’s close ally Farouk Kibet who is also his trusted advisor.
Through this connection, he has gained valuable insights into governance and leadership, learning how to navigate the complexities of Kenya’s political landscape.
His experiences in journalism and his network within political circles have given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by Bungoma County residents.
Having made his political intentions known, Mwasame who is eyeing the Bungoma senatorial seat in 2027 has earned sharp admiration and criticism alike.
Majority journalists in the County have announced to support his bid if he is serious about it.
One such scribe is Robert Wanyonyi, the director of Tandao TV, who posed, “We should shun defeatist statements and rally behind our colleague with one strong voice or otherwise when will we stand to be Counted?”.
Bungoma County Director of Communication John Nalianya wrote, “In my opinion, politics has long been characterized as the “art of the possible,” and there exists no reason why the media—historically a powerful force in shaping political trajectories—shouldn’t harness its influence to elevate one of its own,”.
By rallying behind Mwasame’s candidacy, we can demonstrate that the media can produce leaders, not just cover them, and that respect for our profession in Bungoma County and beyond is merited through such bold strides.
“Let us, therefore, lend Mwasame our support as he seeks to transform the Senate and prove the power and worth of our profession in governance,” said Nalianya
Director Trevor Simon, another media personality wrote, “Mwasame has become a beloved figure among the people, particularly young people and women, who see him as a beacon of hope and a leader who understands their struggles,”.
Contacted, Mwasame stated that he has been receiving a lot of pressure from the ground to vie for the seat and he is still considering their plea.