Politics in Kabuchai: A Game of Power, Surprises, and Shifting Alliances

The political landscape in Kabuchai constituency has been anything but predictable. From alliances to rivalries, it has witnessed a whirlwind of twists that have kept political analysts and voters on their toes. The by-election that followed the passing of former MP James Lusweti left many shocked, as the race brought unexpected players to the forefront, along with alliances that were initially unthinkable.

CPA Evans Kakai, once a staunch ally of the then Deputy President Dr. William Ruto, found himself in the unusual position of flying the flag for the Opposition party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), during the by-election. His campaign was a formidable one, backed by nearly all the MPs from Bungoma County, a region known for its complex and often volatile political scene. Fuelled by the "hustler" narrative, Kakai's well-organized campaign received generous funding, making him a force to reckon with in the race. The "hustler" slogan resonated with many voters, and CPA Kakai was expected to clinch the seat with ease.

However, the results were far from what his supporters anticipated. Despite the support and resources, Kakai’s votes fell significantly short of the winner, Majimbo Kalasinga, who won decisively. Kalasinga, representing Ford Kenya, a party with deep roots in the region, secured more than double the votes of his closest rival. What made Kalasinga’s victory even more remarkable was that his support base primarily stemmed from Ford Kenya Party, which was part of the ruling coalition, ONE KENYA ALLIANCE. The alliance had heavy backing from key national figures like President Uhuru Kenyatta’s proxies, Gideon Moi, Wiper leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, and Ford Kenya’s own Moses Wetangula.

Fast forward to the present, and the political tides have shifted yet again. CPA Evans Kakai, once a trusted associate of President William Ruto, is now reportedly estranged from him. The rift is believed to have emerged after the formation of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which saw unlikely partners, including Ford Kenya, UDA, and ANC, join forces to form the current government. This alliance, which many thought improbable during the by-election, left political observers wondering how past rivalries were so swiftly buried under the common goal of securing power.

Majimbo Kalasinga, once Ford Kenya’s rising star, now finds himself in political limbo. His relationship with the party has deteriorated, especially following the controversial debate surrounding the Finance Bill 2024. Insiders within the party suggest that a faction may be seeking to remove Kalasinga from his current position, raising the question of whether he will remain the party’s flagbearer come the 2027 elections. His political future, once bright, now seems fraught with uncertainty.

Meanwhile, CPA Evans Kakai is reportedly maneuvering to regain favor within Ford Kenya. His reentry into the party could pose a significant challenge to Kalasinga and any other contenders eyeing the 2027 election. The big question now is: Will Kakai reclaim his position, or will a new, youthful candidate emerge to take the helm for Ford Kenya?

As the political landscape in Kabuchai remains fluid, the youth are increasingly being called upon to participate in shaping the future of the region’s politics. Many leaders are emphasizing the importance of youth involvement, cautioning that if the younger generation does not engage, they risk being used as mere pawns by veteran politicians seeking to advance their careers. The message is clear: this is the time for the youth to rise and shape their destiny.

For now, all eyes are on Kabuchai, where the unfolding political drama is far from over, and the battle lines for 2027 are already being drawn.