Political scientist and former medical services minister Prof Amukowa Anangwe during a fundraising for Muslim Women in Western at the in Kakamega town/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYOThe battle for the Luhya voting block is shaping up with backers of President William Ruto's reelection fighting to fend of the inroads being made by the Linda Mwananchi movement.
While the grassroots is warming up to the Linda Wananchi team led by embattled ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Kenya Kwanza allies in the region are also stepping up the push to turn the ground over to back Ruto’s reelection.
A lobby spearheading Ruto’s reelection campaign in Western under the leadership of Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has announced grassroots meetings across the region to galvanise support for the President.
Another faction supporting the broad-based government led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is also conducting fundraisers across Western to rally support for Ruto’s second term.
The region does not have a presidential candidate for the 2027 general election at the moment.
It remains to be seen whether DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa or Sifuna who are the face of the region in the opposition, will join the race for the top seat.
The death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has enjoyed support in the region for over two decades, and subsequent internal strife within ODM have caused confusion, manifesting in a lack of a clear and united political direction.
Political scientist Prof Amukowa Anangwe said Luhya land, especially elected leaders are always confused when elections are in the offing.
Anangwe said the grassroots is always ahead of the Luhya leaders in building a consensus on what they want during elections.
For the time being, the critical mass of the populace is pro-Sifuna but time will tell for how long this perception will hold.
Anangwe predicts that Western region will be more divided than before come 2027. “Some will vote for Sifuna’s side, especially if he will be on the presidential ballot, a significant portion will support President William Ruto and others will remain confused on how to vote," he said.
"Although the grassroots may be swayed either way, they may not be able to achieve much on their own unless the leaders are able to speak with one voice to mobilise the community effectively."
He said there is a lot that needs to be done by either side to sensitise their own people. Political leaders from either side of the political divide need to understand what they are looking for in terms of the electoral outcomes.
“The leaders should not be part and parcel of negative efforts to divide the region further. The litmus test is whatever the leaders tell the people on how to vote, the region should not end up in the opposition after the elections in 2027,” he added.
Anangwe said although some Kenyans have lost faith in Ruto, his re-election for a second term cannot be ruled out just yet given the President has the levers of state power and machinery.
“These may be brought to bear decisively at the critical juncture to Ruto’s advantage, as is the norm in several presidential elections in the African continent. Many times miracles happen which often yield unexpected electoral outcomes,” he said.
