National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet have stepped up political activities across Western Kenya as the region emerges as one of the country’s earliest battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Over recent weeks, the pair have held rallies, empowerment meetings and development tours across Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, seeking to strengthen support for President William Ruto’s re-election while pushing back against a growing opposition campaign led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Their increased presence comes as Sifuna, one of the opposition’s most outspoken figures, gains traction among sections of voters, particularly younger people frustrated by the rising cost of living and governance concerns.
Political observers say Western Kenya, long regarded as the political stronghold of Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is becoming increasingly competitive.
Caleb Burudi, the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) Western coordinator, said both Kenya Kwanza and the opposition had begun mobilising voters well before the official campaign season.
“With both Kenya Kwanza and the opposition stepping up mobilisation nearly two years before the next General Election, Western Kenya is rapidly emerging as one of the country’s most fiercely contested political theatres,” Burudi said.
At their meetings, Wetang’ula and Farouk have urged residents to remain within what they describe as the government’s broad-based political alliance, arguing that continued support for Kenya Kwanza will secure more development projects for the region.
Their message has focused on voter registration, infrastructure, economic reforms and the revival of struggling sugar factories.
Wetang’ula has pointed to the revival efforts at Mumias Sugar Company and Nzoia Sugar Company as examples of the government’s commitment to Western Kenya.
“We have some young people who have joined politics. However, their politics is that of insults. But ours talks about unity, development and moving forward,” Wetang’ula told residents during a meeting in Matungu, Kakamega County.
Farouk echoed that message during a women’s empowerment meeting in Bungoma, urging residents to reject the opposition.
“The opposition has no agenda for you. Your interests are safe with Kenya Kwanza under President William Ruto,” he said.
He also encouraged voters to back Ruto’s re-election while hinting at Wetang’ula’s future ambitions.
“Support President Ruto now, and he will support you when your turn comes,” Farouk told the gathering.
Alongside the 2027 campaign, some leaders within the region have begun positioning Wetang’ula as a possible presidential candidate in 2032, after Ruto completes the two-term constitutional limit if re-elected.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has publicly backed Wetang’ula for the deputy presidency in 2027.
“As the people of Western Kenya, we have identified our own leader, and that leader is Moses Masika Wetang’ula. He is equal to the task,” Barasa said.
“After we re-elect President William Ruto in 2027, we expect the presidency to come to Western Kenya in 2032.”
Wetang’ula has also argued that the region has several leaders capable of serving as Ruto’s deputy.
“Western Kenya has Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and me as Speaker of the National Assembly. President Ruto can pick any of us as Deputy President and groom the person for the 2032 presidential race,” he said during a meeting in Sirisia, Bungoma County.
However, recent opinion polls by Infotrak suggest Deputy President Kithure Kindiki remains the most preferred running mate for Ruto, ahead of both Wetang’ula and Mudavadi.
Meanwhile, Sifuna continues to sharpen his profile as one of the opposition’s leading voices, frequently criticising the government over accountability, governance and the cost of living.
Political analyst Fred Sasia believes Kenya Kwanza’s intensified activities reflect growing concern over Sifuna’s rising influence.
“The region is expected to play a pivotal role in the 2027 elections, making early mobilisation and grassroots engagement a priority for both sides,” Sasia said.
Attention is now turning to a rally planned by Sifuna in Bungoma on July 26, which organisers have described as the “mother of all rallies.”
According to organisers, opposition leaders are expected to unveil the political party they intend to use in the 2027 election after shelving plans to register a new one because of time constraints.
The meeting is also expected to endorse Sifuna as one of the leading political voices in the Luhya community before launching a wider national mobilisation campaign.
Sasia said the event could become a significant test of political influence in Wetang’ula’s traditional support base.
“The meeting could further test the political influence of established figures in Western Kenya, including Wetang’ula, whose dominance in the region is increasingly facing renewed scrutiny,” he said.
In recent months, Wetang’ula has faced interruptions at several public meetings in Bungoma, where some residents chanted “Sisi ndio Sifuna” during his speeches. Political observers view the slogan as a sign of Sifuna’s growing appeal among parts of the electorate.
Political commentator Joseph Mutua said the Speaker is unlikely to ignore those changing dynamics.
“Wetang’ula cannot afford to sit pretty while Sifuna builds political momentum in Western Kenya,” Mutua said.
“Politics abhors a vacuum, and any sign of growing support for a rival demands an immediate response.”
He expects political activity in the region to intensify in the months ahead.
“We should expect to see Wetang’ula holding even more meetings across Western Kenya. The objective will be to consolidate his support base and prevent Sifuna from turning his growing popularity into an organised political movement capable of shifting the region’s political balance,” he added.
With both Kenya Kwanza and the opposition expanding their grassroots campaigns, Western Kenya is shaping up as one of the defining political battlegrounds ahead of the 2027 election. The coming weeks, particularly Sifuna’s Bungoma rally, are expected to offer an early indication of whether his growing support can evolve into lasting political influence or whether Kenya Kwanza’s renewed campaign will succeed in holding the region.
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