- Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa danced to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's campaign song at a funeral in Bumula constituency
- Bumula MP Jack Wamboka urged Barasa to abandon President Ruto's camp and join Sifuna's political team during the event
- Barasa sidestepped the call to back Sifuna and instead used the platform to pitch his own Bungoma gubernatorial ambitions
Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa found himself dancing to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's campaign song, "Khupa Lusimu Khwipange," at a funeral service held in Bumula constituency, just a day after he publicly broke ranks with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
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Barasa had been invited to address mourners by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, a firm Sifuna ally, who orchestrated the song's playing as the Kimilili lawmaker approached the podium.
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The crowd responded enthusiastically, with Barasa's dance moves drawing loud cheers from those gathered.
Wamboka Pushes Barasa to Back Sifuna
Before Barasa could speak, Wamboka openly appealed to him to switch allegiance from President William Ruto and align himself with Sifuna, even as he eyes the Bungoma governorship.
Wamboka heaped praise on the senator as a shrewd political operator capable of reading the direction of events well in advance.
"You were doing guesswork; now you know where these people want you to go. Don't betray your brother. Sifuna is your agemate. You come from the same area. Would you abandon him for Ruto?" Wamboka posed to Barasa.
The Bumula MP went further, calling on Sifuna's supporters to make it impossible for those backing Ruto to address gatherings in the region unless they switched sides.
"Make sure they don't speak anywhere. How do you think we'll feel when Sifuna is the president and his MP or senator or governor, or even MCA belongs to another party?" Wamboka said.
Barasa Sidesteps Sifuna Endorsement
Despite the pressure, Barasa declined to commit to Sifuna's camp during his address. Instead, he appealed to Bumula residents to support his own bid for the Bungoma governorship, positioning himself as the most qualified candidate to lead the county.
Barasa is a member of President Ruto's UDA party and had previously weighed the option of contesting on a Ford Kenya ticket. However, the political calculus shifted after Wetang'ula's brother, Tim Wanyonyi, entered the Bungoma gubernatorial race.
Barasa reportedly feared that Wetang'ula would use his influence to favour Wanyonyi should both men contest under Ford Kenya.
Wanyonyi has since stated publicly that he will not campaign or seek election on the Ford Kenya ticket.
On Monday, October 26, Barasa broke ranks with Wetang'ula over Bungoma county politics. He accused the National Assembly Speaker of backing his brother Tim Wanyonyi's opposition-aligned camp in Bungoma while standing with President Ruto nationally.
The MP announced he would consolidate UDA as his political vehicle ahead of his 2027 gubernatorial bid in Bungoma
Source: TUKO.co.ke