It’s our turn to get DP post, say Western leaders

Leaders from Western Kenya have declared that the Luhya community will demand the Deputy President position in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a residents’ engagement forum at the Shibuli home of Lurambi MP Titus Khamala, the leaders—led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula—pledged to support President William Ruto’s re-election to strategically position the community for national leadership.

Wetang’ula said 2027 will be a defining moment for the Luhya community, noting that the outcome of the election would determine its political fate in 2032.

“We’re going to look for friends across the country who will remember that we lent them a helping hand and return the favour at our hour of need,” Wetang’ula said.

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali said the community’s numerical strength qualifies a Luhya for the Deputy President position and, eventually, the presidency.

“We’re on a journey to consolidate our numbers. We’re not playing with leadership; we must achieve it,” he said, adding that past regimes had marginalised the region in development.

Host MP Titus Khamala said divisions among Luhya leaders had weakened the community’s bargaining power in national politics.

“We cannot follow juvenile politicians. We must respect our senior leaders. We already have Wetang’ula, Musalia Mudavadi, and CS Oparanya whom we must support to guide us,” he said.

Co-operatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya said Western leaders are united behind the President’s agenda, warning “anti-Luhya unity crusaders” against frustrating the initiative.

Western Parliamentary Caucus chair John Waluke emphasised strength in numbers, saying: “We cannot be a laughing stock forever. We have leaders and have decided to come together regardless of party affiliation. In 2027, we’ll be in one party.”

Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka added that Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, and Oparanya were working together under the current government, pledging to mobilise voter registration to ensure numbers count.

Other leaders at the forum included Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, and several MCAs. Nabwera and Wakoli warned that anyone opposing Luhya unity would face rejection in 2027.