By OPCS Press Service
Mumias East – Prime Cabinet Secretary Dr Musalia Mudavadi has challenged Western Kenya to elect more United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Members of Parliament in the 2027 General Election, saying the region must secure stronger representation to influence parliamentary leadership, legislation and national resource allocation.
Speaking during a UDA delegates’ meeting in Shitoto village, Mumias East, Kakamega County, Dr Mudavadi said the region must move beyond political rhetoric and make deliberate electoral decisions that would give it a stronger voice in the governance of the country.
He explained that parliamentary strength is determined by numbers, noting that electing more MPs on the UDA ticket would position Western Kenya to compete for influential leadership positions, including the chairmanship of key parliamentary committees such as the Budget Committee.
“Parliament exercises authority in its own right. We want more MPs so that we can have a say in the Budget Committee and other important committees. These positions are secured through numbers, and numbers matter when decisions affecting the country are being made,” he said.
Dr Mudavadi described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for Western Kenya, urging residents to ensure the region is represented at the table where national decisions are made rather than remaining on the periphery of political influence.
“2027 is the moment we must change the narrative. We must make sure that we are at the table where decisions are made. We cannot afford to remain spectators when the future of our country and our region is being determined,” he said.
On the presidential contest, Dr Mudavadi declared that the Kenya Kwanza coalition was determined to secure President William Ruto’s re-election in the first round, ruling out the prospect of a closely contested election that could proceed to a run-off.
“We want Ruto to win without a petition. We want to thrash them in the first round. I told you President William Ruto would win, and it came to pass. I am telling you again that he is going to win,” he said.
He pointed out that winning the presidency requires a national coalition of support, reminding Kenyans that Article 138 of the Constitution requires a presidential candidate to secure more than 50 per cent of all votes cast nationally and at least 25 per cent of votes cast in each of at least 24 counties.
The PCS said the political mobilisation strategy must therefore extend beyond traditional strongholds and embrace a broader national outlook.
Taking aim at the opposition, Dr Mudavadi described the late Raila Odinga as the most formidable and recognisable opposition figure Kenya had known, noting that his political stature was built over decades.
He recalled that he personally campaigned for Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, saying the former Prime Minister commanded significant political influence and international recognition.
“The person we knew in the opposition as strong was Raila Odinga. I even went out to campaign for him when he contested for the African Union position,” he said.
He characterised the current opposition as disorganised, disjointed and divided, challenging political formations seeking to take over government to demonstrate what they intend to offer Kenyans.
Dr Mudavadi maintained that the 2027 contest should be about competing ideas, credible leadership and tangible development commitments rather than personalities and political hostility.
He challenged opposition leaders to present clear manifestos outlining their plans for the country, insisting that Kenyans deserve leadership anchored in integrity, responsibility and a clear development agenda.
He further emphasised the strategic importance of Western Kenya to the national economy, pointing to its geographical position along the Ugandan border, with Uganda being Kenya’s largest trading partner.
He regretted that despite this strategic advantage, the region had not fully realised its economic potential, citing infrastructure deficits and the need for improved road networks, including dual carriageways, to facilitate trade, investment and regional connectivity.
Dr Mudavadi also defended the decision to merge his Amani National Congress (ANC) party with UDA, saying the move was a calculated political decision aimed at building a stronger national political platform capable of securing and sustaining influence beyond the 2027 elections.
He said political unity was necessary to strengthen the region’s bargaining power and ensure it participates meaningfully in shaping the country’s political and development agenda.
The PCS disclosed that a major political gathering would be held at Bukhungu Stadium in December to provide a platform for Western Kenya to consolidate its political position and chart a common direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said the region must make a serious political decision that serves the interests of its people and guarantees it a meaningful stake in national leadership.
Dr Mudavadi urged residents to rally behind President Ruto’s re-election campaign, expressing confidence that the Kenya Kwanza administration would secure another mandate.
He said the campaign would be vigorous and sustained, with the objective of ensuring that President Ruto and his supporters secure a decisive victory in 2027.
