

BY FLORENCE SIMIYU.
The political landscape in Bungoma County is under intense scrutiny following reports of a newly formed political alliance, which senior officials have dismissed as unauthorized and illegitimate.Initial reports suggested that the alliance was intended to foster political unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, it has now been confirmed that the agreement was never formally endorsed by the parties allegedly involved.The matter quickly gained traction on social media, with the hashtag #BungomaAuctioned trending on X. Supporters of the hashtag claimed that key political interests in the county had been “auctioned off.”
Responding to the allegations, the Communications Director for Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, Mr. Robert Wanyonyi, described the claims as baseless and misleading. He warned that social media should not be used to spread unverified political information.Legal experts have emphasized that individuals spreading such information may face prosecution under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which criminalizes the deliberate dissemination of false or harmful content online.

The law carries severe penalties, including up to two years in prison for spreading false information that causes public panic, and up to ten years for deliberate misinformation intended to disrupt public order or for online harassment.Meanwhile, attention is shifting to Bungoma’s 2027 gubernatorial race. Names such as Tim Wanyonyi and former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati have emerged as potential frontrunners, fueling speculation about the county’s political trajectory.
Residents are divided on the matter. Some are calling on Wanyonyi to contest as an independent candidate, while others have criticized certain aspirants, questioning their qualifications and emphasizing the need for competent and credible leadership.