Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has downplayed the recent visit by United Opposition leaders to Western Kenya, describing it as a “tourist tour” with little or no tangible impact on the region.
Speaking in Busia during an empowerment event for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), Lusaka commented on the engagement by opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He said Gachagua was not well placed to lead engagement with the Mulembe Nation due to limited familiarity with the Western Kenya region.
Lusaka urged communities in the region to critically examine the track records of opposition leaders and assess whether they had made any meaningful contributions to Western Kenya while serving in government.
“Gachagua was a Deputy President. What did he do for our people?” Lusaka said.
He also made remarks about other opposition leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka, saying they had not presented a clear development agenda for the region.
The governor said the opposition’s campaign focused largely on criticising leaders rather than outlining actionable plans for Western Kenya should they form the next government.
“They forgot to tell us what they will do for us,” he added.
The united opposition conducted a three-day engagement tour of Western Kenya from Friday to Sunday, visiting Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Trans Nzoia counties.
Opposition leaders pledged to remain united and field a single candidate against President Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Lusaka said the Western region was already benefiting from key development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
These include the revival of the sugar sector, improvements in road infrastructure such as the Mau Summit–Rironi corridor and plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba.
The meeting was attended by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Teso South MP Mary Emase, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and other leaders.
