Unity among Luhya leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election will position Western Kenya for a serious shot at the presidency in 2032, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has said.
Speaking in Matungu during the funeral of Philemon Aoko, son of former MP David Were, Barasa urged leaders from the region to rally behind a shared political and development agenda. He said cohesion would boost the region’s influence nationally and help nurture a credible presidential contender after President William Ruto’s term ends.
“Our strength lies in unity. When we work together for development and economic empowerment, we prepare ourselves for a serious leadership bid in 2032,” Barasa said, adding that sustained cooperation would fast-track progress across Western Kenya.
The governor also weighed in on national politics, saying a possible coalition between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would be nearly unbeatable at the ballot. He said Kakamega County fully supports the broad-based political alignment backing President Ruto.
According to Barasa, the opposition lacks the unity and national appeal needed to mount a serious challenge. He argued that internal divisions and the absence of a clear alternative agenda have weakened its ability to mobilise voters countrywide.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula echoed these sentiments, saying the opposition has failed to present a convincing vision for Kenya. “You cannot oppose everything without explaining how you would govern differently,” Savula said, accusing opposition leaders of prioritising personal ambitions over national unity.
He questioned the absence of a structured opposition platform, noting that Kenyans deserve clear policy alternatives rather than constant criticism.
The remarks signal growing efforts by Western Kenya leaders to reposition the region as a key political bloc in future national contests. By linking unity in 2027 to ambitions for 2032, Barasa framed regional cohesion as both a strategic investment and a bargaining tool in national politics.
His endorsement of a potential UDA–ODM alliance also reflects the rising appeal of broad-based coalitions as a pathway to power, while casting the opposition as fragmented and directionless. As political realignments continue to take shape, Western leaders appear keen to secure relevance within the current power structure rather than risk political marginalisation.
