A confrontation unfolded at a burial in Bungoma County on Tuesday, October 25, 2026, involving Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and nominated Senator Consolata Wakwabubi. Wamboka, serving as master of ceremonies, seized a microphone from Wakwabubi after she publicly endorsed President William Ruto. The incident occurred in a crowd broadly sympathetic to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential bid.
Wakwabubi was cut off mid-speech and left the stage without resisting, according to reports. The burial brought into public view a contest that had been building the previous day. On Monday, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa publicly criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, claiming that Wetang’ula was quietly backing his brother Tim Wanyonyi’s gubernatorial bid despite both men supporting Ruto at the national level.
Barasa is seeking the Bungoma governorship on the UDA ticket, while Wanyonyi, the Westlands MP, is a rival aspirant aligned with Sifuna’s camp. Wetang’ula has declared his support for Ruto. Barasa argued that the Speaker’s alleged backing of his brother was complicating his own path to the governorship. The incident at the burial highlighted tensions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
Wakwabubi joined the Senate to fill the seat left vacant by Gloria Orwoba, who was expelled from the ruling United Democratic Alliance in May 2025. Her endorsement of Ruto was seen as a significant move, given the internal dynamics of the party. The crowd at the burial was largely supportive of Sifuna’s bid, with his name featuring prominently in speeches.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa also faced pressure from the crowd to back Sifuna but declined, reaffirming his loyalty to Ruto instead. This development suggests that the divisions within the party are deepening, with various factions emerging. The incident at the burial is the latest in a series of events highlighting the internal struggles within UDA.
The confrontation between Wamboka and Wakwabubi has sparked debate within political circles, with many questioning the implications of such public displays of disunity within the ruling party. The incident has also raised questions about the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.
The incident has highlighted the complexities of political alliances and endorsements within Kenya’s political landscape. As the country prepares for future elections, such incidents are likely to continue to shape the dynamics of various political parties.
Key points
- Bumula MP Jack Wamboka seized a microphone from UDA Senator Consolata Wakwabubi at a burial in Bungoma County after she endorsed President William Ruto.
- The incident highlighted tensions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance, with various factions emerging.
- The confrontation has sparked debate within political circles, with many questioning the implications of such public displays of disunity within the ruling party.
