Governor Kenneth Lusaka has told 2027 gubernatorial aspirants in Bungoma to stop targeting him in their campaigns as he will not be seeking re-election.
Speaking in Bukembe, Kanduyi Constituency, Lusaka dismissed his critics, stating that he remains focused on service delivery rather than engaging in political distractions.
"They are focusing on the wrong person. The Constitution bars me from running for a third term, so they should concentrate on outshining their actual competitors," Lusaka remarked.
A political war is in the offing in the counties as a number of MPs are seeking to succeed outgoing governors or unseat first-termers.
Twenty eight governors will be defending their seats in the 2027 election with 19 others serving their second and final terms.
Several MPs and Senators have set their eyes on governor positions, intoxicating their relationships, three years to the polls.
Lusaka, Bungoma's first governor from 2013-2017, won the 2022 election with strong support from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Ford Kenya MPs, defeating DAP-K's Wycliffe Wangamati.
Eyeing the 2027 elections, Wangamati has been clear that he wants to make a comeback,
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has also declared interest in replacing Lusaka.
“Absolutely (I will run for the seat),” he told the Star when he was asked about his governor ambitions.
On Sunday, Lusaka maintained that he is focused on his work and announced that the much-anticipated trade loans would be rolled out next week, with a major launch set for Webuye.
Additionally, Lusaka confirmed the disbursement of funds for bursaries and scholarships, with schools already receiving the allocated monies.
He attributed the delay in the release of funds to exchequer issues but urged parents to also contribute to their children's education instead of relying solely on government support.
Highlighting the county’s achievements, Lusaka noted the construction of over 216 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms.
