The growing political wave of Linda Mwananchi Movement leader Edwin Sifuna in Western Kenya appears to have jolted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who has been central a figure in the region’s politics.
Mr Mudavadi is increasingly facing competition from youthful politicians, including Mr Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who are out to redefine the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 polls.
The ongoing political realignments have become a do-or-die contest for Mr Mudavadi, whose post-2027 influence and place in government would be determined by how the region’s vote.
Mr Musalia’s political path has also been complicated by his decision to fold his Amani National Congress (ANC) party, consequently binding his future to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi in Trans Nzoia.
Photo credit: PCS
For his long-term plan of succeeding President Ruto in 2032 and his immediate agenda of remaining influential in government, Mr Mudavadi has to deliver the region. Failure to do so could see him lose out in the succession matrix.
The entry of ODM into Dr Ruto’s fold also means a more complicated power-sharing arrangement. ODM is already laying claim to the Deputy President’s slot with some senior members additionally talking of 50 per cent of the government. Should the outfit miss out on this they are likely to go for the next plum positions that could include Mr Musalia’s seat or the National Assembly Speaker position, which is currently held by Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.
The former Sabatia MP is rallying the region to back Dr Ruto’s re-election for political survival. His move is, however, facing strong opposition, especially in the region, whose youth and old guards are perceived to be behind Mr Sifuna.
Analysts believe that it would be a hard task for Mr Mudavadi to deliver the region should the opposition settle on Mr Sifuna as its presidential candidate.
On Saturday, Mr Mudavadi appeared to admit how the region abandoned him in 2022 when he declared support for Dr Ruto.
The region largely voted Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga, with the ODM sweeping a majority of elective seats. Mr Musalia’s home county of Vihiga elected ODM governor and Senator.
“When I told you that Ruto was going to win, you thought it was a joke. Now you say ‘let’s blame Musalia; where is the 30 per cent of the road’. Where were you when I was going there? When I asked you to join me, you refused, now you want free things from me,” said Mr Mudavadi.
He also questioned retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s perceived support for Mr Sifuna, asking why he did not hand the Nairobi senator his Jubilee Party, if he truly supports his presidential bid.
Mr Mudavadi said Dr Ruto was going to secure his second term, while challenging Western Kenya to elect more UDA MPs in the 2027 polls. He said the region has to secure stronger representation to influence parliamentary leadership, legislation and national resource allocation.
He made the remarks during a UDA delegates meeting in Shitoto village, Mumias East, Kakamega County.
He rallied the region to move beyond political rhetoric and make deliberate electoral decisions that would give it a stronger voice in the governance of the country.
“We want more MPs so that we can have a say in the Budget Committee and other important committees. These positions are secured through numbers, and numbers matter when decisions affecting the country are being made," said the Prime Cabinet Secretary.
He described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for Western Kenya, urging residents to ensure the region is represented at the table where national decisions are made rather than remaining on the periphery of political influence.
"2027 is the moment we must change the narrative. We must make sure that we are at the table where decisions are made. We cannot afford to remain spectators when the future of our country and our region is being determined," he said.
Mr Mudavadi characterised the current opposition as disorganised, disjointed and divided, challenging political formations seeking to take over government to demonstrate what they intend to offer Kenyans.
UDA party leader President William Ruto, flanked by Deputy President Prof Kindiki Kithure and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, arrives for a UDA National Governing Council meeting at State House, Nairobi.
Photo credit: PSC
He challenged opposition leaders to present clear manifestos outlining their plans for the country, insisting that Kenyans deserve leadership anchored on integrity, responsibility and a clear development agenda.
Mr Mudavadi also defended the decision to merge his ANC party with UDA, saying the move was a calculated political decision aimed at building a stronger national political platform capable of securing and sustaining influence beyond the 2027 elections.
He said political unity was necessary to strengthen the region's bargaining power and ensure it participates meaningfully in shaping the country's political and development agenda.
But as Mr Mudavadi moves to counter the wave, he is also facing political onslaughts by veteran politicians, who have declared support for Mr Sifuna.
Former Cabinet ministers Musikari Kombo, Fred Gumo, Noah Wekesa, Philip Masinde and former Webuye West MP Joash Wamang’oli, as well as former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli, are among the political veterans backing the Nairobi Senator’s presidential aspirations.
Most of the veterans served as Cabinet ministers or MPs under former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki. Some were also political allies of the late former Vice-President Michael Wamalwa and opposition chief Masinde Muliro.
The elders have increasingly used public forums and funerals to push for Mr Sifuna’s presidential bid, arguing that the time has come for the younger generation to take over leadership of the Luhya community.
Mr Wekesa, 90, who chairs the Luhya Elders Forum, has also been spearheading Mr Sifuna’s candidature. He assumed the role of leadership at the elders’ outfit following the death of former nominated MP Patrick Wangamati.
In a previous interview, Mr Wamang’oli, 74, said Mr Sifuna’s time had come and that Mr Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula should retire from frontline politics. He dismissed suggestions that the two could pursue the presidency in 2032 terming it 'hogwash'.
