Western Kenya has emerged as a key political battleground between government and opposition allies ahead of the 2027 general election, with IEBC data showing more than 3.2 million voters in the region.
Leaders backing President William Ruto have urged residents of the five counties in the region to prepare to field a presidential candidate in 2032 if the president wins a second term. Musalia Mudavadi said opposition politicians are trying to mislead the community and that government leaders have decided to support Ruto.
On the opposition side, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has emerged as the leading figure tipped for a deputy presidential slot, with others including George Natembeya and Cleophas Malala aligning with him. Malala said more than 80.5 percent of voters will back efforts to remove Ruto.
A TIFA poll released last month showed Sifuna enjoying 44 percent support among the Luhya community. Leaders from both sides conducted recent visits to Kakamega, Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.