Eugene Wamalwa Breaks Silence on Working with Mudavadi and Wetang’ula in 2027
Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has opened the door to potential collaboration with key Western Kenya figures, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, as the region eyes a stronger position in the 2027 general election.
Speaking during a funeral event in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday, January 25, Wamalwa emphasized that Western Kenya could significantly shape national politics if its leaders come together under a unified front.
Shifting Political Landscape in Western Kenya: Only Two Parties Remain Strong
Wamalwa highlighted the evolving political dynamics in the region, pointing out that Western Kenya previously had four major parties representing its interests: DAP-K, Ford Kenya, Amani National Congress (ANC), and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He noted that ANC has since merged into the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), while ODM faces internal divisions and uncertainty over its direction, particularly amid debates on aligning with President William Ruto’s re-election efforts.
“We have had four major political parties in this part: DAP-K, Ford Kenya, ANC, and ODM. ANC has folded, and now there are divisions in ODM—we don’t know if it will be folded. We were given a challenge; now we have two strong parties, Ford Kenya and DAP-K,” Wamalwa stated.
He positioned DAP-K and Ford Kenya as the enduring vehicles for representing Western Kenya’s electorate.
Call for Strategic Alliance to Champion Regional Interests
Drawing from a suggestion by Wycliffe Oparanya, Wamalwa appealed directly to Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, and other regional leaders—including Khalwale and Natembeya—to join forces.
He urged them to prioritize strategizing for the well-being of Western Kenya’s people rather than internal rivalries.
“Oparanya asked that I look for Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, Khalwale, Natembeya, and others so that we start planning ourselves as the Western community. Instead of fighting us leaders, we strategise on fighting for the well-being of our people,” he said.
Wetang’ula Reaffirms Commitment to Ruto’s 2027 Re-election Bid
The unity overture met a quick response from Wetang’ula, who was also present at the funeral. The Speaker firmly restated his alignment with President Ruto, announcing a renewed pact with Mudavadi and Oparanya to rally Western Kenya support for Ruto’s re-election.
Wetang’ula described the cooperation as a means to safeguard regional interests within the current administration while laying groundwork for future ambitions.
“I have announced the renewal of a joint political pact between Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, CS Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, and me to consolidate support for President H.E. Dr. William Ruto in the Western region and position the Luhya community ahead of the 2032 succession,” Wetang’ula declared.
He framed the partnership as a stepping stone toward the region potentially fielding its own presidential candidate in 2032.
Historical Context: Western Leaders’ Role in Ruto’s 2022 Victory
Wetang’ula and Mudavadi were instrumental in President Ruto’s 2022 success, having shifted from supporting Raila Odinga’s NASA coalition in 2017 to mobilizing Western Kenya votes for Ruto.
Their efforts contributed approximately 600,000 votes from the region to Ruto’s tally in the last election, underscoring the bloc’s electoral weight.
As 2027 approaches, Wamalwa’s call for broader unity contrasts with the ongoing pro-Ruto alignment among some leaders, highlighting ongoing debates over the best path for Western Kenya’s political influence.
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Eugene Wamalwa Breaks Silence on Working with Mudavadi and Wetang’ula in 2027