By DUNCAN WASWA
May 25, 2026| Political activity is expected to feature prominently during the burial of former Webuye Mayor and former Ford Kenya nominated MP Patrick Wangamati, scheduled for Saturday, May 30, in Bungoma County, as a wave of political leaders continues to visit the family ahead of the ceremony.
The late Wangamati, father to former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, has in the past week drawn leaders from across the political divide, turning his Webuye home into a steady stream of condolence visits that have also carried undertones of emerging political messaging ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Even as high-profile delegations continue to arrive, the family has urged restraint, calling for a dignified and peaceful funeral that honours the deceased without political confrontation.
Speaking to the press, former Governor Wycliffe Wangamati appealed to visiting leaders to avoid chaos and partisan clashes during the burial.
“What we want most is peace. We are asking all leaders to avoid violence and political chaos during the burial as we give our father a dignified sendoff,” he said.
The appeal comes amid heightened political sensitivities in Western Kenya, where funeral gatherings often double as informal political platforms, especially as early alignments begin to take shape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
During recent condolence visits, leaders allied to the DAP-K party led by Eugene Wamalwa criticised remarks attributed to figures within the broad-based government arrangement suggesting that the next General Election could be manipulated in favour of President William Ruto.
The opposition leaders raised concern over statements they said risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process and the independence of institutions.
Wamalwa urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to remain firmly independent and resist political pressure or narratives that could erode trust in future elections.
“The IEBC must remain independent and avoid carrying the burden of political interference that may make Kenyans lose confidence in future elections,” Wamalwa said.
He added that growing public frustration over the high cost of living meant that Kenyans would be unwilling to tolerate any attempt to compromise democratic processes.
Former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi also defended the independence of the electoral commission, insisting that it must be allowed to discharge its mandate without political intimidation.
“IEBC is an independent institution and it must execute its duties fairly and without political pressure to guarantee free and fair elections,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by former Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu, who also raised concerns about past electoral conduct in Bungoma County, alleging irregularities during the 2022 General Election.
“What happened in the 2022 elections in Bungoma should never be repeated. Kenyans will not tolerate electoral injustice again,” Simiyu warned.
With senior political figures expected to attend the burial, attention is now turning to Bungoma County, where residents are watching closely to see whether the ceremony will remain a solemn family affair or evolve into a politically charged gathering reflective of the rising tensions and early positioning ahead of the 2027 polls.