Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wafula Wangamati laid bare his political ambitions during a live interview on West FM’s Crossfire on Sunday,  critiqued the current leadership, and reflected on his time in office. The former county chief confirmed his intention to seek the governorship again in 2027 and did not mince words when discussing potential opponents and key issues affecting Bungoma County.

Wangamati’s most striking remarks centered on the upcoming gubernatorial contest. He cast doubt on Timothy Wanyonyi’s candidacy, claiming that only two MPs are currently in his corner and predicted that one of them would withdraw by December due to pressure from their constituents, leaving Wanyonyi with only one MP supporter. Wangamati claimed that this particular MP has a history of supporting losing candidates. He cited examples such as supporting Khang’ati in 2013, who lost; supporting Lusaka in 2017, whom Wangamati defeated; and supporting Wangamati in 2022, when he lost to Lusaka. Based on this pattern, Wangamati concluded that Timothy Wanyonyi is also likely to lose

He also weighed in on Wanyonyi’s family ties, alleging that Timothy and his brother Fred Wetangula are attempting to distance themselves from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, whom he claims is unpopular in the region. Wangamati cautioned Bungoma residents against turning the county into a “family affair,” similar to what he alleged is happening in Nyanza, where he claimed Raila Odinga supported his sister for Woman Representative, his brother for Senatorial seat. He painted a picture of a potential power trio involving Speaker Wetangula, Timothy Wanyonyi, and a pliable senator, suggesting the entire project is orchestrated by Moses Wetangula.

“With endorsements from Ford Kenya MPs, Ford Kenya MCAs, and even the Majority Leader, how can anyone genuinely say that Wetangula isn’t involved? The evidence speaks for itself.”

Looking back at his tenure, Wangamati expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments. He highlighted the recruitment of agricultural extension officers and village administrators, which he said improved grassroots service delivery. His scholarship program, which he believes reached a diverse range of students, was his proudest achievement.

However, he acknowledged one key regret: his failure to fully implement a program to address land succession and title deed issues, a central promise in his manifesto.

For his 2027 bid, Wangamati promised to return to office to complete unfinished projects, including the Webuye milk processing plant and the settlement of pending bills. He vowed to revive and enhance his scholarship program and, drawing inspiration from Murang’a County, pledged to pay school fees for all day-school students in Bungoma. He also promised to create a dedicated fund to assist residents with land succession and title deed matters.

He urged leaders to remain vigilant to ensure crucial road projects are included in the national budget.

“I spoke to the President about the need to complete several road projects, including the Navakholo-Musikoma, Bumula-Myanga, Misikhu –Brigediar, Lugulu-Lukusi-Makuselwa and Kimaeti-Malakisi roads.” He stressed that leaders need to be vigilant to ensure these projects are included in the national budget.

The former governor did not spare national leaders from his criticism. He expressed concern over the low-cost leasing of the Nzoia Sugar Company, raising an alarm about the employment of foreign nationals (Indians) in lower-level positions a claim he said he learned from a union official.

Wangamati further alleged that despite being the third-in-command, the Speaker has not delivered on promises to the people of Bungoma, specifically mentioning 30 percent slots in police and ambassadorial recruitments that he claimed have not materialized.

Addressing a personal matter, Wangamati revealed that he was removed from his position as chairman of the Superannuation Fund after certain Bungoma leaders allegedly misinformed the President and Public Service boss Felix Kosgey that he had financed anti-government protests. He stated that he has since met with the President to clear the air, concluding that his removal was politically motivated in anticipation of the 2027 elections.