Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have intensified efforts to consolidate Western Kenya’s support behind President William Ruto, setting the stage for a political showdown with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The two senior leaders have separately cautioned against Sifuna’s growing influence in the region, as they seek to rally the Luhya community behind Ruto’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 General Election.
At the centre of the unfolding political contest is a December mega rally in Kakamega, which Mudavadi, working alongside Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, says will send a strong message about Western Kenya’s political direction.
“In December, we will have a very big meeting. You will help us to mobilise because we want to make a clear statement that Western Kenya cannot be taken for granted,” Mudavadi said.
He added that consultations with Atwoli and other regional leaders were underway to ensure the meeting demonstrates the community’s political position and support for the President.
Mudavadi has also challenged Western Kenya residents to abandon political divisions, arguing that the region’s ability to secure influential government and parliamentary positions depends on electing more leaders aligned with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking during a meeting with bishops in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, over the weekend, the Prime Cabinet Secretary said the community could not demand greater representation and development while voting for leaders who do not support the government’s political establishment.
“You don’t vote for us, and then you say give us. Wacheni mchezo. That is the problem that we have in this Western region,” he said.
He warned that political fragmentation was weakening the region’s bargaining power, particularly in securing influential positions in parliamentary committees.
Mudavadi further revisited his earlier calls for Western Kenya to rally behind Ruto, saying residents who dismissed his appeal were now questioning the government’s development record in the region.
“When I was telling you Ruto is winning, let us move together, you thought it was a joke. Now you are saying, where is the 30 per cent of roads? Why is this happening? Where were you when I was going there?” he posed.
Atwoli, Wetang’ula Take Aim at Sifuna
Sifuna’s growing popularity in Western Kenya has placed him on a collision course with Mudavadi and Atwoli, who are keen to consolidate the region’s voting bloc and prevent political realignments that could weaken Ruto’s re-election campaign.
Atwoli has announced that the Bukhungu 3 meeting, scheduled for December 26, 2026, in Kakamega, will bring together political leaders and residents from across Western Kenya.
The outspoken trade unionist has questioned Sifuna’s political ambitions, warning that his political activities could undermine efforts to unite the region and its long-term prospects of producing a presidential candidate in 2032.
“You heard Sifuna the other day telling people from this region not to listen to people like me. And then he is telling people to attend my December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for him,” Atwoli said.
Wetang’ula has also joined the political pushback, cautioning the Nairobi senator against what he considers premature presidential ambitions.
The Speaker argued that Sifuna, being a first-term Member of Parliament, needed more political experience before considering a run for the presidency.
In an apparent reference to Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi faction, Wetang’ula maintained that Kenya’s presidency was not won through political excitement but required experience and national support.
“There is no miracle in winning the presidency in Kenya. Kenyans have always put their trust in experienced politicians for the presidency, and their choice is President Ruto,” Wetang’ula said.
The emerging contest places Western Kenya at the centre of an increasingly competitive political battle, with Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Atwoli seeking to retain the community within Ruto’s political camp while Sifuna continues to attract attention through the Linda Mwananchi movement.
With the Bukhungu 3 rally approaching, the region’s political loyalties are likely to face a major test as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections and the longer-term succession battle.
