BUNGOMA, Kenya — Eric Wekesa has officially been sworn in as the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Chwele/Kabuchai Ward, ending days of uncertainty marked by accusations of attempts to delay his assumption of office.
Under Section 40 of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, all newly elected state officers must sign and commit to the Leadership and Integrity Code—either at the time of taking the oath of office or within seven days of assuming duty. The commitment binds officers to uphold ethical conduct, prevent corruption, and promote transparency in public service.
The swearing-in ceremony took place Thursday at the Bungoma County Assembly. Before signing the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) integrity documents, Wekesa also took the Commission’s oath, fulfilling all mandatory requirements for elected public officers.
Wekesa’s inauguration follows days of tension, after he claimed that certain state agencies were working to frustrate his entry into office. His supporters echoed the concerns, alleging attempts to subvert the will of the people after his decisive victory in the recent by-election.
Despite the concerns, the ceremony proceeded without interruption, easing anxieties that had mounted within the constituency.
Speaking after taking the oath, Wekesa described the moment as a new chapter in his political journey, pledging to dedicate himself fully to the people who elected him.
“Now that the oath has been administered and all requirements have been met, it is time to serve the people of Chwele/Kabuchai Ward and Kenya at large,” he said.
“I intend to represent my people diligently, champion their priorities in the County Assembly, and ensure their voices are heard.”
Minority leaders in the Bungoma County Assembly, led by Kabula Ward MCA Vitalis Wangila, welcomed Wekesa warmly. Wangila said the by-election outcome reflected a shift in the county’s political landscape and growing demand for leaders who demonstrate accountability and a people-centered approach.
“Wekesa’s victory shows that the electorate is embracing new thinking and demanding better leadership,” Wangila noted.
“As minority leaders, we intend to work with him constructively for the benefit of Bungoma County.”
Wekesa, an independent candidate, clinched the Chwele/Kabuchai Ward seat with 6,152 votes, comfortably defeating Ford-Kenya’s Vincent Maunda, who garnered 2,752 votes.
Several leaders from across the region also congratulated him, among them Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.
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