Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ has urged his community to begin early political negotiations with President William Ruto as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Kajwang’ emphasised that any support should be tied to a clearly defined development agenda rather than political positions alone.
He highlighted the government’s appointments of individuals from the region to key roles as an example of goodwill, drawing a comparison with early inclusivity during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.
“William Ruto has been good to us,” Kajwang’ said during an event in Homa Bay town.
“He has given us positions just like Kibaki did. That time, Kibaki gave us Planning; this time, Ruto has given us the National Treasury and Economic Planning. We must decide early so that we have plenty.”
The Senator cautioned that the community must approach the 2027 elections with clarity and unity, warning against last-minute alliances that in the past left the region disadvantaged.
“We cannot demand too much from Ruto now because we didn’t give him the votes,” he said.
“But if we are to give him votes in 2027, we must agree on what our community gets.”
Kajwang’ stressed that negotiations should go beyond political positions or debates about the deputy presidency.
“What our community gets is not just about positions. It must be anchored on a development agenda aimed at addressing historical marginalisation and injustice,” he said.
He added that political support should be linked to tangible outcomes, including structured investments, infrastructure upgrades, economic empowerment initiatives, and long-term plans to benefit the region.
“It cannot be about personalities or token appointments,” he said.
Recalling lessons from 2002, Kajwang’ noted the risks of delayed commitments.
He said the region had supported Kibaki on the understanding that a position of Prime Minister would be created, but late engagement contributed to the position not being established.
“We must organise early, agree on our priorities, and engage any presidential contender from a position of foresight,” he said.
“We must decide early so we know what lies ahead of us.”
As political realignments for 2027 begin to take shape, Kajwang’ maintained that early, development-focused negotiations will be critical in shaping the region’s political and economic future.
