National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Western Kenya to consolidate its vote ahead of the 2027 general election, saying regional unity will strengthen its bargaining power and boost president William Ruto’s bid for a second term.

Speaking during a boda-boda empowerment programme in Nambale, Busia County, and later at a fundraiser in Kimang’eti, Malava, Wetang’ula led a group of Kenya Kwanza and allied leaders in calling on the region to support Ruto’s re-election.

The leaders said Western Kenya, often described as politically fragmented, must rally behind one political direction if it is to secure greater influence in the next government.

“If we want to develop and be a formidable force, we must stay united as a region. We have the numbers, but our voice is not heard because we are not together,” Wetang’ula said.

He argued that president Ruto had demonstrated commitment to the region through repeated visits and development pledges, saying Western voters should reward him with another term.

“The president has frequented Busia more times than previous presidents combined. His development track record in the region has earned him respect. We must return the favour and grant him a second term,” he said.

The speaker said the region’s estimated five million votes could become a decisive bloc in 2027 if leaders agreed to work together. He asked residents to move away from what he described as long-running political division and focus on collective interests.

Bungoma senator Wafula Wakoli echoed the call, saying Western Kenya must vote as a bloc to earn political respect.

“We have come here to ask that, as Western people, we put our votes in one basket so that we earn our respect,” Wakoli said.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, who said he remains a member of ODM, also backed Ruto’s re-election bid.

“I am an ODM member, but I know where Raila left our party. We should support our president to get re-elected,” Wangwe said.

Busia governor Paul Otuoma urged residents not to be swayed by emerging opposition formations, saying the current administration had already shown willingness to work with the county.

He cited the revival of rice farming, new and improved road networks, the Nasewa Industrial Park, the planned expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway to Malaba, and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway as projects that could improve trade and livelihoods in the county.

Otuoma said voter turnout would be critical in 2027, warning that low participation could weaken the region’s influence.

“We must work on voter turnout. Sixty per cent is not acceptable. Every vote must count. We must turn out in large numbers. That is the only way Ruto will be re-elected,” he said.

Wetang’ula reminded Busia residents that the county had long supported ODM and the late Raila Odinga, but said the region should now remain within the broad-based government.

“Since the CORD days, I have been with Raila. In 2022, I made a different choice. But before his passing, he left you in government under broad-based arrangements. You should support the President’s second-term bid,” he said.

The leaders also criticised opposition figures, accusing them of promoting divisive politics and misleading young politicians from the region.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said the opposition lacked a clear agenda and defended the removal of the former Deputy President, claiming he had advanced selective development.

“In 2022, former President Uhuru mistreated president Ruto, but we stood with him. His story mirrors the anointing of David in the Bible. Come 2027, let us stand with him once again,” he said.

The leaders pledged continued support for the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, saying its success would depend on regional unity, voter registration and strong turnout in 2027.

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