We have options: Tim Wanyonyi rattles Nairobi again, sends warning

Westlands Member of Parliament (MP) Tim Wanyonyi has sent shivers across the political divide in Nairobi following his unprecedented message.

The third-time legislator and ODM’s Nairobi’s strongman, who was forced to abandon his 2022 Nairobi Gubernatorial ambition for a weakling, has told his supporters that there is no more turning back and sacrifices.

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As the clock ticks towards the 2027 elections, Wanyonyi has told his supporters that there are options to pick from and that the dream still lives on.

Boasting of a great political network across the City county, Wanyonyi was shortchanged by his party led by Raila Odinga in a deal with then Jubilee Party leader and President, Uhuru Kenyatta.

The deal dealt Wanyonyi and his supporters a huge blow which they are yet to heal from after the Azimio Coalition forced him to step down for former Nairobi Deputy Governor Polycarp Igathe.

Igathe would later be terribly and mercilessly beaten to a pulp by UDA’s weakling Johnson Sakaja.

The events leading to the unpopular decision to give Igathe the ticket instead of Wanyonyi, have started playing out with Raila now gravitating towards Sakaja.

Aware of these machinations and the below-the-table deals, Wanyonyi has told his supporters in the city not to relent as he will not be cowed this time around.

Wanyonyi has assured his supporters that he will be on the ballot in 2027 for the City’s top seat.

Besides amassing massive support in Nairobi, Wanyonyi has endeared himself to a huge support base in the counties of the former Western Province – Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga as well as Trans Nzoia.

And during a live radio interview on Milele FM with Francis Luchivia, the Westlands MP said there are many options for him in 2027 elections.

Word has been making round that he is eyeing to succeed Ken Lusaka as Bungoma Governor and while responding to it, he said it is as well an option.

He said he takes the calls for him to run for the Bungoma seat positively as it reflects the good will he has from the people.

“I take it positively because people recognise my capabilities and achievements, having seen the work I’ve accomplished in Westlands,” he said.

“Many believe that success on a smaller scale can translate to effective leadership on a larger platform. In politics, nothing is off the table; everything is possible.

“While I am a Nairobi politician and presented myself for Nairobi in 2022, if similar circumstances arise, I will consider all options, including Bungoma,” he noted.

The ‘similar circumstances’ he was referring to was the events that led to his ambition of being Nairobi Governor cut shot under the guise of party agreements and deals.

He has put the ODM party on notice that all structures must be followed and no one should be favoured.

Should the new found friendship between Sakaja and Raila lead the governor joining ODM, Wanyonyi said he was ready to battle it out for the party’s ticket in nomination stage.

“Theatrics won’t change the truth! ODM welcomes all, but there’s a process. Anyone who wants to be a member must start from the back and go through the proper processes and nomination channels like everyone else.  Leadership is about performance, not proximity, and the people know the difference. The dream is still alive!” he said.