Western leaders face political hurdles in bid to mobilise support for Ruto

Efforts by pro-broad-based government leaders in western Kenya to rally support for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid are facing headwinds amid political realignments, ODM wrangles, and dissatisfaction among residents over unfulfilled government promises.

The political landscape in Western and Nyanza regions appears to be shifting, threatening attempts by President Ruto’s allies to consolidate support in perceived opposition strongholds.

The decision by ODM to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from his role as deputy party leader has further exposed divisions within the party.

The emergence of the Linda Mwananchi faction in ODM and the broader opposition has complicated political calculations for leaders allied to the broad-based arrangement supporting President Ruto.

Political observers argue that the developments are weakening efforts by leaders allied to the President to put Western and Nyanza votes into Ruto’s 2027 political basket.

A spot check by The Standard has established that a section of senior leaders in Western are increasingly facing hostility from residents frustrated by what they describe as the government’s failure to deliver promises.

Among the major concerns raised by residents are the poor state of roads, stalled electricity connectivity projects, rising cost of living, and alleged mistreatment of leaders  from the region who openly criticise the government.

Already, some of President Ruto’s allies, including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, have publicly blamed ODM leadership for making it difficult for them to campaign for the President in Western and across the country.

Speaking during a function in Busia County, Oparanya accused ODM leaders led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga of alienating leaders with differing opinions, warning that the move was fueling rebellion among residents against those campaigning for Ruto’s second term.

“It has become difficult for those of us who are looking for votes for President Ruto because everywhere you go, people ask why certain leaders were chased away from the party. You find yourself in a difficult position trying to explain,” he said.

The former Kakamega Governor described the party’s disciplinary actions against dissenting leaders as ill-advised, arguing that ODM should embrace dialogue and reconciliation instead of punishment.

“As leaders in ODM, we are making mistakes. Chasing leaders away from the party and even from parliamentary positions is really frustrating our efforts to mobilize support for the President,” he stated.

Oparanya further warned that unless leaders within the broad-based arrangement begin embracing democracy, reconciliation, and service delivery, securing a second term for President Ruto may prove difficult.

“This is the final stretch toward 2027. We should be thinking about unity and forgiveness so that we can move forward as one people and help the President. Those in office must deliver services to wananchi or forget about re-election,” he said.

The CS also called on leaders from the Western region to unite and chart a common political direction ahead of the next elections.

“As a community, we should come together and chart our own path. Those who refuse to join us can chart their own way,” he added.

Oparanya’s latest remarks have intensified speculation over his political future, with analysts questioning whether he is gradually distancing himself from the broad-based arrangement, positioning to himself to work with Linda Mwananchi movement, or laying the groundwork for an independent political path outside government.

The CS has recently been championing unity among leaders in Kakamega County through the formation of the so-called “G-8” grouping that brought together eight out of the county’s 12 MPs. However, the group later disintegrated amid internal disagreements and accusations that it was being used to undermine Governor Fernandes Barasa.

Governor Barasa had previously accused his predecessor Oparanya of attempting to micromanage county affairs and interfere with his administration.

Following the political developments surrounding ODM and the broad-based alliance, several lawmakers from Western Kenya have reportedly begun warming up to President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They include Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda.

Sources within ODM indicate that some lawmakers were allegedly promised financial backing to facilitate their defection from ODM to UDA. However, insiders reveal that some legislators have since slowed down the move and are monitoring the changing political environment before making final decisions.

One MP from Kakamega County, who is closely associated with Oparanya and had reportedly lined up to join UDA, admitted that the de-whipping of Sifuna and Osotsi, coupled with delayed government projects, was complicating their efforts to campaign for Ruto.

“The hostility on the ground is growing. People are unhappy about roads and other promises that have not been fulfilled. If things continue this way, some of us may be forced to stop campaigning for the President,” said the legislator, who sought anonymity.

Governor Barasa, however, dismissed Oparanya’s concerns and challenged him to openly join Sifuna’s camp if he was unwilling to support the President.

“I want to tell Oparanya to stop meddling in Kakamega politics. As ODM leaders in Kakamega, we support Oburu Oginga and we are firmly behind President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid,” said Barasa.

Meanwhile, the recent removal of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka as Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education has also stirred political tension in Western Kenya.

Wamboka accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of targeting him and other Luhya leaders for refusing to defect from DAP-Kenya to Ford Kenya and for criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“I suffered for him. I went to court for years and was even attacked,” said Wamboka.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi accused President Ruto’s administration of abandoning ordinary Kenyans and neglecting development promises made to the Western region.

Osotsi argued that the cost of living has continued to rise under the Kenya Kwanza administration, citing increased healthcare and education costs as evidence that the government had failed vulnerable Kenyans, including boda boda riders and low-income earners.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also emerged as a vocal critic of the administration, claiming that many of Kenya’s governance problems stem from President Ruto’s leadership. 

He accused the government of mishandling critical sectors such as education, housing, and economic reforms.

Political analysts now say the growing criticism and discontent from leaders within and outside the broad-based government reflects widening dissatisfaction among Kenyans frustrated by economic hardships and unmet expectations by Ruto’s administration.

Political analyst Dr Barack Muluka said Oparanya’s remarks were symptomatic of a deeper crisis facing the Kenya Kwanza administration especially failure to fulfil Ruto’s development pledges.

“What Oparanya is saying is part of the symptoms of a failing regime and a reflection of the dissatisfaction among many Kenyans, including those within government. It is consistent with the message being pushed by Linda Mwananchi and other opposition leaders,” said Muluka.

He said that political abandonment of the President had already begun, arguing that many Kenyans feel the administration has failed to adequately address challenges in critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

“Ruto is moving around the country celebrating achievements while many citizens feel sectors like health and education are collapsing. That disconnect is contributing to growing public frustration,” Muluka stated.