By Tony Wafula
Philanthropist Enock Opara has officially joined the growing list of aspirants eyeing the Bungoma governorship in the 2027 general election setting the stage for an early and competitive race to succeed Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Opara, who hails from Lutungu village in Kanduyi Constituency made the declaration over the weekend while addressing mourners during the burial of his mother at their rural home.
He said the moment had reaffirmed his resolve to seek the county’s top seat citing widespread poverty and poor service delivery as key motivators behind his decision.
“I am ready to face off with anyone at the ballot,” Opara said, adding that Bungoma residents deserve leadership that is responsive to their daily struggles.
He noted that many families in the county are unable to afford school fees and quality healthcare for their children, a situation he described as heartbreaking and unacceptable in a county’s growth.
Opara revealed that even as his family mourned, residents approached him seeking help to pay school fees, an experience he said underscored the urgent need for social support systems and inclusive development.
“I had just come to bury my mother and it was a very difficult time for me and my family, but still locals came asking that I help them with fees payment,” he said.
The aspiring governor pledged that, if elected, his administration would prioritize strengthening Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) infrastructure, improving road networks and expanding access to quality education for learners from humble backgrounds.
He argued that investing in ECDE is critical to laying a strong foundation for future generations and reducing inequality across the county.
Opara also highlighted the poor state of infrastructure in rural Bungoma sharing a personal account to illustrate the challenge.
He claimed that transporting his mother’s body from the mortuary to Lutungu village was extremely difficult due to dilapidated roads, forcing him to use his own resources to rehabilitate a 15-kilometre stretch to allow vehicles to access his home.
“The road network in Bungoma is in a sorry state. I had no option but to fix the road so that my mother could be laid to rest with dignity,” he alleged.
His declaration comes amid heightened political activity in Bungoma, with several high-profile figures already expressing interest in the governorship.
Those seeking to succeed Governor Lusaka include Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, businessman Zacharia Barasa and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, among others, signaling an early scramble for the influential seat.
Opara’s remarks also coincided with growing unrest among county workers, particularly ECDE teachers.
On Friday, ECDE teachers staged protests in Bungoma town, demanding action from the county government over delayed salaries and stalled promotions.
The demonstrations brought renewed attention to challenges facing the education sector at the devolved level, an issue Opara said he would address decisively if given the mandate.
