Tree-Hug Protest Exposes Bungoma Leadership Silence on Corruption

Bungoma residents have expressed sharp criticism of their elected leaders for failing to show up at the Railways grounds in Bungoma town to stand in solidarity with activist Florence Onyango, who staged a dramatic 74-hour tree-hug protest against corruption in the country.

Onyango’s protest began quietly. It gained momentum through word of mouth and social media. She clung to a tree day and night, rain or shine. This was a symbolic stand against what she termed entrenched corruption and leadership indifference.

By the third day, crowds of residents, civil society activists, and youth groups had gathered at the grounds to offer moral support, food, and water to the visibly exhausted activist.

However, Bungoma’s top political leaders were conspicuously absent. These included Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Senator David Wakoli, and Woman Representative Catherine Wambilinga. Members of Parliament from the county were also absent.

Their absence has sparked anger and disappointment among residents. Many of the residents expected leaders to at least make a brief appearance. They wanted leaders to show solidarity with a cause that resonates widely across the country.

This was not about politics or parties. It was about corruption, something that affects all of us,” said a resident who attended the protest. “If our leaders cannot stand with an ordinary citizen who sacrifices her comfort for the country, then who do they really represent?”

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Some residents argued that the leaders’ silence and absence reinforced perceptions that politicians only engage with the public during campaign periods.

Others said the protest was a missed opportunity for Bungoma leaders to demonstrate moral leadership and align themselves with growing public frustration over corruption and accountability.

Civil society groups in the county also weighed in, noting that Onyango’s action echoed a rising wave of citize leled protests across the country, where individuals are increasingly resorting to symbolic acts to draw attention to governance issues.

Despite the lack of political support, Onyango completed her 74-hour protest, drawing praise from residents who described her as brave and selfless.

As she was assisted away from the tree at the end of the protest, chants and applause filled the Railways grounds.

Residents are now calling on Bungoma leaders to publicly explain their absence and to take concrete action in addressing corruption concerns, warning that continued silence could further erode public trust.