Tension In Western As Raila, Mudavadi & Wetangula Told What Has Began Happening Ahead Of 2027 Polls

As the country prepares a head of the next General Election in 2027, the political landscape of Western Kenya appears set for a dramatic change.

A new generation of leaders is shaking up Western Kenya’s political landscape, threatening the long-standing dominance of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Among those gaining ground are Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

Their rising popularity poses a serious challenge to Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, who have largely defined the region’s politics for over two decades.

Even veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has commanded Western Kenya’s political loyalties since 2007, is facing increasing resistance.

Some local leaders have vowed to push ODM out of Kakamega County and the wider region altogether.

Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, are facing it tough who backed President William Ruto in the 2022 elections, helped secure his victory in parts of Western Kenya.

Critics argue the two leaders have failed to deliver for the Luhya community, Kenya’s second-largest ethnic group.

The rivalry has spilled into public events, with supporters of Natembeya and Wetang’ula clashing at funerals in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.

Last month, Natembeya gained further momentum when Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, from Wetang’ula’s home area, defected to his camp.

“Our leaders today are focused on self-interest. Wetang’ula and Mudavadi are essentially Ruto’s employees and can be dismissed at any time. Meanwhile, Raila is using his government position to deliver projects to his people. Where are our leaders taking us?” Governor Natembeya asked at a recent rally in Trans Nzoia.

ODM’s Edwin Sifuna has also emerged as a key player, drawing large crowds in Kakamega in July despite pressure to leave ODM over its cooperation with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition.

And according to the political analyst Martin Andati, the old guard is losing ground.

“Mudavadi and Wetang’ula’s popularity continues to fade. The emerging generation of leaders has captured public imagination and is well positioned to win in 2027,” he noted.

He added that ODM’s internal wrangles over local branch elections could further weaken Odinga’s influence in the region.