Busia County is experiencing notable political realignment as the 2027 general election approaches. Once considered a steadfast ODM stronghold, the region is showing signs of voter fatigue with traditional party politics, as residents increasingly demand issue-based leadership and accountability. Despite ODM previously sweeping over 90% of elective seats in the county, frustrations have grown over perceived marginalization in national appointments and slow local development, fueling calls for fresh leadership.
Emerging from this discontent is the Tawe Movement, a people-first initiative gaining traction across Luhya counties, including Busia. The movement advocates for accountability and pragmatic governance over party loyalty, reflecting a shift away from entrenched political structures. Against this backdrop, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Governor George Natembeya are scheduled to visit Butula, a strategic move observers say aims to court a region where political allegiances are visibly shifting. Just a day earlier, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi toured Butula and parts of Teso to launch rural electrification projects, signaling a calculated effort to shape voter perceptions ahead of visits by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Political unease is not limited to the grassroots. Several Busia MPs—including Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos), Raphael Wanjala (Budalangi), Joseph Oyula (Butula), and Oundo Mudenyo (Funyula)—have shown signs of shifting allegiances, reportedly due to discomfort with ODM’s perceived closeness to the ruling administration. Locally, two successive ODM governors have faced criticism for underperformance and limited visible impact on development. With national leaders intensifying engagements in the region, Busia is fast becoming a key political battleground where party loyalty is no longer guaranteed, and voter expectations for delivery, integrity, and tangible results are at an all-time high.