By Bonface Mulyungi
Western Kenya leaders have stepped up calls for the region to be considered for the Deputy President’s position in President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election strategy, a development that is increasingly shaping internal coalition negotiations within the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
The push emerged during a high-level meeting in Naivasha attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and more than 28 Members of Parliament drawn from the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus.
The leaders, alongside Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma) and Wilberforce Otichillo (Vihiga), argued that Western Kenya, given its electoral strength and growing political alignment with the Kenya Kwanza administration, deserves a more prominent stake in national leadership, including the second-highest office in the land.
Among the MPs present were 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), among others.
Addressing journalists at Lake Naivasha Resort, the legislators maintained that Western Kenya has remained politically consistent in its support for successive administrations but has historically been under-represented in top national appointments.
They argued that it was time for the region to produce the country’s 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,” read part of a statement delivered by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.
“We are not asking for favours. We are demanding recognition based on our numbers, contribution to national development and political support,” he added.
The lawmakers further emphasised unity within the region, calling for cohesion beyond political differences to strengthen their bargaining power at the national level.
“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 noted.
They also reaffirmed their support for President Ruto’s re-election bid, citing what they termed increased engagement and improved resource allocation to the region under his administration.
“We believe continuity of leadership is essential to safeguarding the gains already made and unlocking the full potential of our region,” they said.
The renewed push is expected to add a new layer of complexity to the 2027 succession dynamics within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, where various regions are already positioning themselves for influence in the next electoral cycle.
Mount Kenya leaders have traditionally viewed the Deputy President’s position as central to maintaining their political leverage, while Coast region leaders and other allied blocs are also seeking stronger representation in the next administration.
Western Kenya’s demand could significantly reshape coalition negotiations as President Ruto balances competing regional interests in a bid to maintain internal cohesion ahead of the polls.
The developments come amid rising political realignments across the country, with leaders increasingly holding regional consultations as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum.
The MPs pledged continued unity and committed to strengthening the region’s influence in national decision-making, saying cohesion would be key to securing a stronger voice in future political arrangements.
They also called on the government to fast-track completion of ongoing development projects in Western Kenya, including infrastructure, health, education, water and agriculture programmes, while pledging to hold state agencies accountable for timely delivery.
