Political maneuvering within the Kenya Kwanza alliance is escalating as Western Kenya leaders intensify their push for the region to secure the Deputy President position in President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election strategy.
The strategic move was formalized during a significant consultative meeting in Naivasha, convened by National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and more than 28 legislators from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
Accompanied by Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), and Wilberforce Otichillo (Vihiga), the leaders asserted that Western Kenya’s substantial electoral strength and its unwavering support for the Kenya Kwanza administration entitle the region to greater representation in national leadershipparticularly the second-highest office in the country.
The gathering attracted numerous Members of Parliament, including John Waluke (Sirisia), John Makali (Kanduyi), Martin Pepela (Webuye East), Didymus Barasa (Kimilili), Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West), Fred Kapondi (Mt. Elgon), Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma CWR), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), Odanga Geoffrey (Matayos), Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i), Joseph H. Maero (Butula), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Benard Shinali (Ikolomani), Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega CWR), Charles Gumini (Hamisi), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga CWR), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), and Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North).
Addressing the media at Lake Naivasha Resort, the legislators highlighted Western Kenya’s consistent backing of various governments despite persistent underrepresentation in senior national positions. They declared that the region is prepared to produce the next Deputy President.
“We are seeking the running mate position for His Excellency President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election because we possess the necessary numerical strength and qualifications for this role,” stated Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, delivering a collective statement. “We are not requesting special treatment. We are demanding recognition based on our electoral numbers, contribution to national development, and political support.”
To enhance their national negotiating position, the representatives stressed the importance of internal unity, calling upon regional figures to overcome their political divisions.
“The diversity in our differences represents our strength. We appeal to our leaders to set aside political disagreements for the collective benefit of our constituents,” the declaration emphasized.
The parliamentary group reaffirmed its dedication to President Ruto’s re-election efforts, recognizing the administration’s increased interaction with the region and improved resource allocation.
“We believe sustained leadership is crucial for preserving achievements already attained and unlocking the complete potential of our area,” they observed.
This renewed campaign introduces additional challenges to the 2027 power-sharing dynamics within Kenya Kwanza, where various regional factions are competing for increased influence. The Mount Kenya region has traditionally regarded the Deputy President role as essential to its political influence, while the Coast region and allied groups are similarly pursuing higher representation.
Western Kenya’s firm stance will likely necessitate recalibration in coalition negotiations as President Ruto works to balance competing regional interests to maintain alliance cohesion before the elections.
As the 2027 electoral period progresses, regional consultations and political realignments are accelerating throughout the country. Looking ahead, the Western Kenya MPs promised to maintain solidarity to secure a more significant role in national decision-making processes.
Additionally, they urged the national government to accelerate ongoing infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply, and agricultural initiatives in the region, vowing to hold government agencies accountable for prompt implementation.