Pick Western running mate after Ol Kalou loss; Ruto told
Allies of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula have renewed calls for President William Ruto to select a running mate from Western Kenya
Allies of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have renewed calls for President William Ruto to select a running mate from Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme held at Friends Primary School in Lwanda, Kanduyi, on Friday, July 17, the leaders said the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election demonstrates that Kenya Kwanza’s political support in the Mt Kenya region is no longer guaranteed.
They argued that the by-election results should serve as a wake-up call for the President to strengthen his political alliance with Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the election outcome highlighted the need for President Ruto to deepen his partnership with Western Kenya, describing the region as a dependable political ally.
“The Ol Kalou by-election has shown us where we stand politically. We want to assure the President that Western Kenya is ready to support his re-election bid,” he said.
Lusaka maintained that giving Western Kenya the deputy president’s position would further strengthen support for the President while complementing the government’s ongoing development agenda in the region.
“The President should consider giving Western Kenya the deputy president’s slot. Together with the many development projects already underway that will further consolidate support for his re-election,” he added.
Ruto breaks silence after loss in Ol Kalou by-election
Kalonzo dismisses Wantam Movement platform after invitation notice for presidential debate
Government gazettes new policy to guide building approvals
Seth Panyako dumps DAP-K, joins Ruto’s UDA Party
Sirisia MP John Waluke echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying leaders from the region had resolved to back President Ruto’s re-election but hoped Western Kenya would be considered for the running mate position.
“We are asking the President to consider Western Kenya for the deputy president’s position and we believe Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is best suited for that role,” he said.
On his part, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela said although the opposition was celebrating the Ol Kalou victory, it should also prepare for the next General Election.
“If they are celebrating this victory, they should also be prepared to accept the outcome when President Ruto wins re-election in 2027,” he further said.
Despite the public lobbying by the leaders, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula avoided commenting directly on the push for him to become deputy president.
Instead, he called on his supporters to remain united and focused as they prepare for the 2027 elections.
U.S. sends seven Americans from Congo to Laikipia Ebola facility
KUCCPS opens inter-university transfers from 2023 KCSE
No community is more politically aware than Mt Kenya; Khalwale
U.S. announces tougher student visa rules introducing four-year stay limit
