Sifuna’s Growing Movement Triggers Fresh Ruto Campaign in Western Kenya

Allies of President William Ruto have stepped up their political mobilisation in Western Kenya as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement gains momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has returned to the centre of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) strategy in Western Kenya, where he met aspirants from the region over the weekend. He called for stronger party structures and credible nominations, while stressing the importance of securing the region’s support for President Ruto.

Mr Mudavadi warned that losing Western Kenya could weaken the President’s position in the 2027 election. He also urged the registration of an estimated 1.5 million eligible residents who have identity cards but are not yet registered voters. He said this could raise the region’s electoral strength to about 3.4 million voters by polling day.

Other senior government officials have also increased their activities in the region. Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya met 25 MPs in Kisumu for a strategy session, while Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula have formed a joint campaign team covering Western Kenya and Nyanza.

The team is seeking to strengthen support for President Ruto in constituencies that have traditionally backed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Mr Savula said the President was “ahead of the game” and argued that supporting his administration would help the region secure further development.

Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has also backed the government’s efforts. During a meeting in Kisumu, he urged political aspirants to recognise Mr Mudavadi as Western Kenya’s political spokesperson. He also dismissed Mr Sifuna’s ambitions, saying his time “is not now”.

The position has been criticised by supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi described the Kisumu meeting as an act of desperation and argued that UDA’s decision to hold the meeting outside Western Kenya showed the party’s weakness in the region.

Mr Osotsi also claimed that some aspirants were waiting for the formal launch of the Linda Mwananchi Party before leaving both UDA and ODM. Western Kenya has traditionally been a strong support base for Raila Odinga and the ODM. Mr Sifuna’s growing movement has introduced a new political factor in the region, potentially challenging the influence of both ODM and UDA.