Lusaka tells Wetang’ula’s FORD-K to accept defeat, stop blame games

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called on Ford Kenya party leaders and Members to accept defeat in the recent Kabuchai–Chwele by-election and embark on sober reflection and re-strategising, warning against internal blame games that could weaken the party.

Speaking during the burial of James Mukhwana at Tuti village in Kanduyi, brother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi,Governor Lusaka said electoral contests have only two outcomes and leaders must respond maturely when results do not go their way.

“When you go into an election, there are only two possible outcomes: you either win or you lose. If you win, you celebrate. If you lose, you return to the drawing board, reflect honestly on what went wrong and learn lessons, instead of blaming one another,” Lusaka said.

The Governor faulted attempts by some party members and leaders to look for scapegoats following Ford Kenya’s loss in the Kabuchai–Chwele by-election, a constituency traditionally considered a party stronghold. He maintained that blaming individuals or factions would not help the party regain its footing.

Lusaka’s remarks came shortly after Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, who was also present at the ceremony, declared that he would intensify oversight of the county government going forward.

“From 2026, we are going to be very serious in defending the interests of Bungoma and in overseeing Governor Lusaka,” Senator Wakoli said.

Although the Senator did not explicitly link his remarks to the party’s recent by-election performance, the statements appeared to confirm emerging political undercurrents within Ford Kenya following the loss.

Responding on the spot, Governor Lusaka said he had no fear of oversight, provided it was conducted in the interest of Bungoma residents.

“Senator Wakoli, you are free to oversight Bungoma as long as it is for the good of the people of Bungoma. We do not fear oversight,” Lusaka said.

With the by-election now behind them, attention is shifting to how Ford Kenya will reorganise and position itself in the post-election period, amid growing calls from within the party for unity, introspection and strategic realignment.