Western Kenya Demands Deputy President Slot Ahead of 2027

Western Kenya MPs have called for the Deputy President’s position to be reserved for the region as they set out their demands ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The demand was made during a consultative meeting in Kisumu convened by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, attended by more than 20 MPs from Western Kenya. Sirisia MP John Waluke, who chairs the Western Parliamentary Group Caucus, said the demand was being made on behalf of the region and was not intended to endorse any particular candidate. This differs from the position taken in May, when the parliamentary bloc backed Mr Oparanya as its preferred choice for the deputy presidency.

The leaders also called for Western Kenya to retain its representation on the Parliamentary Service Commission, a position currently held by Rachael Ameso.

They further raised concerns over stalled infrastructure projects, the sugar industry, education funding, and electricity supply. 

The MPs called for the completion of delayed development projects and measures to address the education funding crisis affecting students from low-income families. They also demanded greater investment in electricity expansion and improved reliability of power in rural constituencies.

The sugar sector was among the most contentious issues discussed at the meeting. The lawmakers rejected the proposed Crop Amendment Bill, saying it could harm farmers and undermine the stability of the industry, which is a major source of income in Western Kenya.

Mr Oparanya said the meeting was part of preparations for President William Ruto’s re-election campaign. He said the leaders would hold regular meetings as they organised themselves for the 2027 elections.

“We are going to have regular meetings to prepare ourselves for the next general elections. All the leaders you see here are campaigning for President Ruto’s second term,” he said.

Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala linked the demand for the Deputy President’s position to Western Kenya’s long-standing support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement. Mr Wanjala said the region had consistently supported Mr Odinga since 2002 and argued that this history gave Western Kenya a basis to seek a senior position in any coalition arrangement, including one led by President Ruto.

The Kisumu meeting follows increased political activity in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli have recently met United Democratic Alliance aspirants as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.

At the same time, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula have formed a joint campaign team covering Western Kenya and Nyanza. Western Kenya has 33 parliamentary constituencies across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga, making the region an important political battleground ahead of the 2027 polls.