As political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election gather momentum, Western Kenya has emerged as a key battleground in the race to shape President William Ruto’s succession politics, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi remaining notably absent from the growing debate.
In recent months, political leaders from across the country have openly lobbied for various candidates to serve as President Ruto’s running mate in 2027. However, despite being one of the region’s most senior political figures, Mudavadi’s name has featured minimally in the discussions, raising questions about his long-term political ambitions.
Within the broad-based government, some leaders from the Mt Kenya region have backed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to retain the deputy presidency, while a section of leaders from Western Kenya have endorsed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for a more prominent role.
At the same time, competing camps have emerged within ODM, with some Coast leaders supporting Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, while others from Western Kenya are backing Cooperative Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
The opposition has also seen calls for the leader of the Linda Mwananchi movement, Edwin Sifuna, to be considered either for the presidency or the deputy presidency.
As the debate intensifies, Mudavadi has largely remained focused on his diplomatic and government responsibilities. On June 13, while accompanying President Ruto at a political event at Masinde Muliro University, Mudavadi urged Western Kenya residents not to join the opposition.
Meanwhile, leaders from the region continue to position themselves ahead of 2027. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa recently described National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as a capable leader who could occupy higher office.
Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, alongside Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, have publicly endorsed Wycliffe Oparanya’s political prospects.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has also weighed in on the debate, arguing that political dynamics in the region have shifted.
“At the moment, the people of Western Kenya are neither with Mudavadi nor Wetang’ula,” Khalwale said.
Political analysts say the emerging alignments underscore an increasingly competitive contest for political influence in Western Kenya, a region expected to play a significant role in shaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
