By Violet Auma | violetmedia8@gmail.com
The battle for Western Kenya’s political soul played out in Malava on Friday as President William Ruto’s close ally, Farouk Kibet, and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged the Luhya community to rally behind the Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during an empowerment forum for persons with disabilities, the duo argued that the “Mulembe nation” was closer than ever to national leadership, provided it remained united behind Ruto’s re-election bid.
“Our space as the Mulembe nation in government has never been this high,” Wetang’ula told the cheering crowd.
“We have Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, I am Speaker of the National Assembly, and Wycliffe Oparanya is a Cabinet Secretary. We must remain thirsty for leadership.”
Kibet, a long-time confidant of the president, termed Ruto’s second term as the community’s strategic gateway to power.
“This is the time to be strategic. Support President Ruto for his second term, and in return, the Mulembe nation will be well-positioned to produce his successor.”
But political analyst Desterio Okumu dismissed the assurances as rhetoric aimed at securing Ruto’s second term.
“It is just a trump card to lure the Mulembe nation. The community is even more fragmented than before, with the broad-based government, united opposition, and new outfits like Kenya Moja appealing to the youth and Gen Zs,” he said.
Okumu argued that talk of Luhya succession after Ruto’s presidency was unrealistic.
“Look at 2027. Is a Luhya positioned as a presidential candidate or even a running mate? Once Ruto secures a second term, new political realignments will emerge, and the promise will collapse back to default settings.”
He warned that without a strong regional party structure, the community lacked bargaining power.
“Ford Kenya is domiciled in Bungoma and parts of Trans Nzoia. It is absent in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Busia. It cannot serve as a regional bargaining vehicle,” he said, adding that Mudavadi risked being sidelined after folding ANC into UDA.
The Malava parliamentary seat, left vacant by the death of MP Malulu Injendi in August, has become a key battleground ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Kenya Kwanza is keen to demonstrate its growing strength in Kakamega, traditionally an opposition stronghold.
Four aspirants will contest the UDA ticket in the September 20 primaries among them former West Kabras MCA David Ndakwa, Rhyan Injendi (son of the late MP), Simon Kangwana, and Leonard Shimaka.
Wetang’ula urged discipline among the hopefuls.
“Politics is about interest and numbers. We must approach this as one team. Whoever wins the UDA ticket deserves the full support of the rest. That is the only way to deliver victory.”
Kibet reinforced the message, warning against defections and urging aspirants to respect party processes.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, also in attendance, tore into the opposition, accusing its leaders of lacking a development agenda.
“Some leaders, like DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, have worked in government for years but have nothing to show for it. This is the time to make the right choice,” he said.
Analysts say the Malava race offers Wetang’ula and Mudavadi a chance to cement their standing as the de facto Luhya kingpins, while serving as a litmus test for Ruto’s influence in Western Kenya.
With both government and opposition expected to field strong candidates, the poll is shaping into a high-stakes duel that could signal the political direction of the region.
Ruto has invested heavily in Western Kenya through cabinet appointments, frequent tours, and infrastructure pledges.
Kenya Kwanza now hopes to translate those gestures into political loyalty and position the Mulembe nation as a future power broker.
