Independent Candidate Eric Wekesa Stuns Wetang’ula, Wins Chwele-Kabuchai Ward by Landslide
The victory marks a dramatic turnaround for Wekesa, who had finished third in the 2022 contest against Maunda
By : Mweru Mbugua
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula suffered a major political setback after FORD Kenya candidate Vincent Maunda was decisively defeated by independent candidate Eric Wekesa in the Chwele-Kabuchai ward by-election
Wekesa, who ran as an independent but was backed by top leaders including George Natembeya, former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati, and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, garnered 6,162 votes (67%), leaving Maunda trailing with 2,765 votes. Other contenders recorded minimal support
The victory marks a dramatic turnaround for Wekesa, who had finished third in the 2022 contest against Maunda
Wekesa revamped his campaign strategy to focus on youth and women, leveraging social media and local radio to portray himself as a peacemaker and highlight alleged violence within the FORD Kenya camp
The campaign period was marred by violence, including attacks on Natembeya’s convoy and Kalasinga’s home
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Two people were killed, and many others injured. Despite these challenges, Wekesa pledged to serve the people diligently and praised IEBC and police officials for ensuring a free and fair election
“I thank God and the people who stood by me even at great personal risk. Despite intimidation and harassment, we have succeeded,” said Wekesa after his victory
