A group of Western Kenya lawmakers has declared full support for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, distancing themselves from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and condemning what they describe as divisive and tribal politics.
The leaders, led by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, made the bold declaration during a women’s empowerment event in Ikolomani. Aseka reaffirmed their collective resolve to back Ruto, praising his inclusive leadership style and tangible development achievements in the region.
“Tumeamua liwe liwalo, Rais wa Jamuhuri ya Kenya 2027 ni William Samoei Ruto,” Aseka said, adding that the Western region would not support any leader accused of promoting ethnic divisions.
The criticism was largely directed at Gachagua’s newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which the leaders described as a platform for tribal and patronage-driven politics. Aseka further questioned the absence of major opposition figures during the party’s launch, hinting that their silence signaled disapproval of Gachagua’s political direction.
Ruto’s close associate Farouk Kibet also took a swipe at Gachagua, labelling his rhetoric as reckless and potentially destabilizing. “Any individual who claims to be a leader yet threatens the nation’s peace is an enemy of the country,” Kibet warned.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali contrasted Gachagua’s absence from the region during his time as Deputy President with Ruto’s consistent engagement. “For two years, Gachagua never set foot here, but President Ruto has been with us,” Shinali said.
Other leaders, including Teso South MP Mary Emase, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya, and Vihiga’s Beatrice Adagala, echoed similar sentiments, urging continued unity under Ruto’s leadership and rejecting any attempts to draw the region back into opposition politics.
The endorsements mark a significant shift in Kenya’s evolving political landscape, as regional alliances begin to solidify ahead of the 2027 general elections. With new party formations and growing tension among former allies, the road to 2027 is already shaping up to be fiercely contested.
