A section of Luhya elders in Kakamega County has announced plans to field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election to challenge William Ruto.
Speaking on Thursday, the elders said the community has resolved to front one of its own for the top seat but will withhold the name of the preferred candidate for now to avoid triggering early political realignments.
Candidate to Be Unveiled Later
The elders, drawn from Likuyani Constituency, stated that the Luhya community boasts several capable leaders qualified to vie for the presidency.
However, they emphasized that consultations are still ongoing before a final decision is made public.
One of the elders indicated that the community would not back President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, distancing themselves from efforts reportedly being championed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to consolidate Western Kenya support for the current administration.
Political Undercurrents in Western Kenya
The declaration comes amid heightened political activity in the region. Recently, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who hails from Western Kenya, received a warm reception during a rally in Kakamega — a development some observers interpret as a sign of shifting political alignments.
President Ruto has in recent months leaned on Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, both influential leaders from Western Kenya, to solidify his support base in the region ahead of the next general election.
With 2027 still some distance away, the elders’ announcement signals early political maneuvering in Western Kenya, a vote-rich region likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the presidential race.
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Politics