Western leaders demand DP slot in Ruto’s 2027 run

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Sirisia MP John Walukhe, Teso South MP Mary Emase, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi in Naivasha /HANDOUT

Western Kenya leaders have intensified calls for the region to be considered for the deputy president position in President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election strategy.

The renewed push emerged during a meeting in Naivasha attended by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, governors and MPs from the region.

The leaders argued that western Kenya, owing to its large voting bloc and growing support for Ruto’s administration, deserves a greater share of national leadership, including the country’s second-highest office.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, who read a joint statement, said the region is now seeking recognition commensurate with its political and economic contribution to the country.

“We are demanding the running mate position to His Excellency President William Ruto in the 2027 general election because we have the requisite numbers, leadership capacity and political goodwill to occupy that office,” Nabwera said.

“We are not begging for favours. Western Kenya has stood with successive administrations and contributed immensely to national development. The time has come for the region to be fully recognised at the highest levels of leadership."

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the region’s leaders were united in pushing for a bigger stake in national governance.

“Western Kenya is one of the most populous regions in the country and its people deserve representation at the apex of government. We have qualified leaders, we have numbers and we have demonstrated political maturity,” Lusaka said.

 “This is not about division or confrontation with other regions. It is about equity, inclusion and ensuring every part of Kenya feels represented in government.”

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe said the region’s bargaining power would depend on political unity among leaders and residents ahead of the 2027 polls.

“If we remain united, nobody can ignore Western Kenya in the national political conversation. We must speak with one voice because unity is what gives us strength at the negotiating table,” Wangwe said.

He said the region had increasingly rallied behind President Ruto’s administration and deserved reciprocal political goodwill.

“We have supported the government and we want that support to translate into meaningful representation and accelerated development for our people,” the MP said.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi urged leaders from the region to rise above political rivalry and focus on securing a stronger national position for future generations.

“This conversation is bigger than individual leaders or political parties. It is about ensuring the children and youth of Western Kenya see themselves reflected in national leadership,” she said.

“When communities feel included in government, it strengthens national unity and deepens confidence in democratic governance.”