Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has lost favor with the locals.
A survey done by Hot News revealed that if elections were called today, Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka will beat Wangamati.
Apart from falling out with Ford Kenya Leaders Moses Wetangula, Wangamati’s political woes are compounded by several other factors.
The Locals from Mt Elgon feel sidelined in Wangamati’s leadership.
“As residents of Mt Elgon, we have been sidelined in the pecking order. The Governor is from the Bukusu (majority tribe) and the deputy Ngome Kibanani from the Tachoni subtribe who have two constituencies. We the Sabaots from Mt Elgon only have one Constituency,” said Peter Cheptot from Mt Elgon.
He added that even the County Secretary Joseph Wakoli comes from the populous Bukusu subtribe.
“Yes, its true we did not overwhelmingly vote for Governor Wanagamati. But that does no mean he sidelines a whole region,” Cheptot said.
For residents of Tongaren, Mulembe village they told Hot News that despite having a deputy Governor from their region, they got a raw deal.
“The roads in this region are impassable. Hospitals have no drugs and those working in the County complain that they have gone for months without salaries. Wangamati’s administration is horrible,” said resident Emmanuel Toili from Mulembe Village in Tongaren.
Toili said if elections are called today, Wangamati and Lusaka will share the Bukusu votes from the six constituencies occupied by the Bukusu’s.
He added that Lusaka is likely to win in Mt Elgon, Webuye East and Tongaren and thus emerge the winner.
However, its still too early to determine the winner and Wangamati has a lot to do.
Several residents also resent Wangamati saying he doesn’t want to finish some road projects especially in Bungoma town.
“The Governor is waiting for early next year then he launches these projects so that residents do not forget. That’s a bad idea.” Said Rodgers Wanyama a resident of Webuye.