Mudavadi and Wetang’ula Warn Western Region Against Backing Sifuna’s 2027 Bid

Senior government officials from Western Kenya have launched a coordinated push to quell growing opposition influence in the region, warning residents that backing young political leaders risks isolating the area from national power and development.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula used separate weekend events to caution the Luhya community against rallying behind the opposition Linda Mwananchi Movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Speaking to clergy in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, Mudavadi dismissed Sifuna’s 2027 presidential ambition as a fallacy, pointing out that the opposition lacks the national reach required under the Constitution to win the presidency.

He challenged residents to look at the math, noting that a candidate needs 25 per cent of the votes in at least 24 counties alongside an absolute majority to win.

“Even if you take all from Western Kenya, you are still talking of only four counties. If you add Trans Nzoia, five; you still have a shortfall of 19 and then you have someone coming around here lying to you to follow him. Let us be realistic, the journey is still long,” Mudavadi said.

He also targeted the movement’s leadership structure, criticising Sifuna for naming former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as First Deputy Party Leader following the unveiling of the outfit's national headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi, on October 30.

Mwangaza was impeached by the Meru County Assembly and the Senate on August 21, 2024, a decision later upheld by the High Court on March 14, 2025.

Mudavadi explained to the bishops that impeached officials remain legally barred from public leadership unless cleared by the courts.

“You have been given people within the structure who are impeached and you are told to follow them. These are the things I wanted you to internalise as we have this meeting,” he said.

Beyond political strategy, Mudavadi linked the region's voting patterns directly to its development record, scolding residents for expecting government projects and state appointments while voting against the ruling party.

He stressed that resource allocation is driven by Parliament rather than executive decree, urging the region to elect more United Democratic Alliance (UDA) MPs to chair influential committees such as Budget, Energy, and Education.

“You don't vote for us and then you say give us. Wacheni mchezo,” Mudavadi said. “When I was telling you Ruto is winning, let us move together, you thought it was a joke. Now you are saying, ‘Where is the 30 per cent of roads? Why is this happening?’ Where were you when I was going there?”

At a funeral in Bungoma County, Speaker Wetang’ula tackled the succession debate from a generational perspective, urging the community to remain patient and support his planned presidential run in 2032 after President William Ruto completes his second term.

Wetang’ula cautioned youth against being swayed by younger figures in the region, arguing that Kenya’s political history favours seasoned leaders who rise steadily through the ranks.

Comparing succession to a hospital queue, Wetang’ula said: “When you go to the doctor, he treats one patient then says, ‘Next’. I’m at the juncture where when they say ‘Next’, I will be in.”

He warned that jumping behind newcomer politicians would reset the region's position in the national queue.

“By the time they say ‘Next’, 10 people will have gone before you,” he warned, placing himself in the lineage of veteran leaders like Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa.

Addressing critics within the region who question his leadership, Wetang'ula asked: “I heard someone say shenyu ni shenyu (yours is yours), am I not yours? You are the people who birthed me and raised me.”

The warnings from the two senior figures follow a surge in political activity across Western Kenya driven by the Linda Mwananchi Movement.

Sifuna, alongside regional allies including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Saboti MP Caleb Namisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, has drawn large crowds across the region while seeking to build a unified opposition presidential ticket for 2027.