Speaking during a public engagement in the county, Khalwale singled out Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and other local leaders, accusing them of rushing to support Ruto’s re-election bid despite what he termed as a lack of tangible development projects in the Western region.
The outspoken senator argued that leaders from Kakamega and the wider Western Kenya region should first demand accountability and visible development before openly backing the President’s second-term bid.
According to Khalwale, the region has not benefited significantly from the national government since Ruto assumed office, insisting that residents deserve major infrastructure, economic, and social development projects.
“Leaders should not campaign blindly. Our people must first see what the government has delivered to this region before we begin talking about 2027 politics,” Khalwale said.
The senator went further to claim that the Luo community has a stronger justification to campaign for the President because, in his view, the region has received notable development projects under the current administration.
He argued that leaders should focus on pushing for equitable distribution of national resources rather than engaging in early political campaigns.
Khalwale also warned that premature political alignments could weaken the bargaining power of Western Kenya leaders when negotiating for development from the national government.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments across the country as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The debate over support for Ruto’s re-election has intensified in recent months, particularly after some opposition figures hinted at possible cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Political analysts say such statements reflect the shifting alliances that are already shaping the country’s political landscape as the next election cycle gradually takes shape.
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