Political maneuvering within the Kenya Kwanza alliance is intensifying as Western Kenya leaders escalate demands for the region to be allocated the Deputy President slot in President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election blueprint.
The strategic push crystallized during a high-profile consultative meeting in Naivasha. The session was anchored by National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and over 28 legislators from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
Flanked by Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma), and Wilberforce Otichillo (Vihiga), the leaders maintained that the region’s formidable electoral numbers and its alignment with the Kenya Kwanza administration justify a greater stake in national governance—specifically the second-highest office in Kenya.
The meeting drew a large delegation of MPs, including: John Waluke (Sirisia), John Makali (Kanduyi), Martin Pepela (Webuye East), Didymus Barasa (Kimilili), Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West), and Fred Kapondi (Mt. Elgon).Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma CWR), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Mary Emase (Teso South), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), Odanga Geoffrey (Matayos), and Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i).Joseph H. Maero (Butula), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), and Benard Shinali (Ikolomani).
Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega CWR), Charles Gumini (Hamisi), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga CWR), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), and Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North).
Speaking to the press at the Lake Naivasha Resort, the lawmakers pointed out that despite Western Kenya’s historical consistency in supporting successive governments, the region has been chronically underrepresented in top-tier national appointments. They declared that the time has come to produce the next Deputy President.
“We are demanding the running mate position to His Excellency President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election because we have the requisite numbers and capability for the position,” stated Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, reading from a joint statement. “We are not asking for favours. We are demanding recognition based on our numbers, contribution to national development and political support.”
To maximize their national bargaining power, the lawmakers emphasized the need for internal solidarity, urging regional leaders to transcend their political differences.
“The diversity of our differences is our strength. We plead with our leaders to set aside political differences for the greater good of our people,” the statement emphasized.
The caucus reaffirmed its commitment to President Ruto’s re-election campaign, acknowledging the administration’s enhanced engagement with the region and its improved allocation of resources.
“We believe continuity of leadership is essential to safeguarding the gains already made and unlocking the full potential of our region,” they noted.
This renewed campaign introduces fresh complexities into the 2027 power-sharing matrix within Kenya Kwanza, where multiple regional blocs are jostling for influence. The Mount Kenya region has traditionally viewed the Deputy President seat as vital to its political leverage, while the Coast region and other allied factions are similarly seeking elevated representation.
Western Kenya’s firm stance will likely force a recalculation in coalition negotiations as President Ruto seeks to balance competing regional interests to maintain alliance cohesion ahead of the polls.
As the 2027 electoral cycle gains momentum, regional consultations and political realignments are accelerating nationwide. Moving forward, the Western Kenya MPs pledged to maintain unity to secure a stronger voice in national decision-making.
Additionally, they urged the national government to fast-track ongoing infrastructure, health, education, water, and agricultural projects in the region, promising to hold state agencies accountable for their timely delivery.
