Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula (left) Kabras West MCA candidate Elphas Shalakha, Malava MP David Ndakwa (wecond right) and Emgwen MP Jesses Lelmengit (Right) endorse the UDA candidate in the Malava West Ward by-election Elphas Shalakha/HANDOUT

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has alleged that leaders outside Western are behind a high-stakes political rally scheduled in Kakamega on Saturday.

‎Speaking on Wednesday during a political rally at Sawawa in Malava, Savula called on residents of Kakamega to shun the gathering, branding it as retrogressive and a ploy to cause chaos.

He said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is expected to be a key speaker at the rally is being used by outside forces.

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‎"If anyone wants to come to Kakamega, he should come himself and stop using surrogates," Savula declared. 

‎The Deputy Governor’s remarks quickly escalated into a broader critique of what he termed a "tribal" agenda against President William Ruto. 

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He drew a historical comparison, questioning why the administrations of Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta were not subjected to the same kind of political disruptions now being faced by President William Ruto.‎

‎Savula praised the current administration’s development record, insisting that Ruto is focused on delivering his manifesto and must be given the space to govern.

‎His sentiments were strongly echoed by Farouk Kibet, President Ruto's aide, who urged the electorate to protect Luhya leaders currently serving in government. 

‎The political rally comes ahead of a crucial by-election in the Kabras West Ward, scheduled for February 26. The seat fell vacant after former MCA David Ndakwa successfully vied for the Malava Parliamentary seat, following the death of the late MP Malulu Injendi.

‎Ndakwa, now the area MP, used the platform to appeal to the Luhya community to protect their position in government by backing UDA candidates. He specifically threw his weight behind Elphas Shalakha, the UDA candidate for the Kabras West MCA seat.

‎"We must protect our own who are already serving in the National government," Ndakwa stated. "This support starts at the grassroots by ensuring our UDA candidate wins."

‎Shalakha, for his part, laid out his agenda, promising to champion technical and vocational training for the youth to equip them with sustainable livelihood skills. He vowed to work collaboratively with both the national and county governments to maximise development for the electorate.

‎"We cannot achieve progress in isolation," Shalakha said. "Resources are with the government, and we must work together for the benefit of the people."

‎The buildup to the Saturday rally and the subsequent by-election highlights the intense political realignment in the region, with leaders allied to Ruto seeking to consolidate support and push back against perceived interference from the former administration.

The rally was also attended by Emgwen legislator Jesses Lelmengit who drummed up support for the UDA candidate and President Ruto's reelection in 2027.