MPs from Western have renewed their calls for President William Ruto to pick his running mate for the 2027 elections from the region, saying support of the Luhya community deserves the deputy president position.
MPs Jack Wamboka (Bumula), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai) and John Waluke (Sirisia) said the community has supported various political formations over the years but has remained sidelined in top national leadership since the death of former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa in 2003.
Wamboka said the Luhya community remains the second-largest ethnic bloc in the country and should therefore have a greater share in national leadership.
“We are the second largest in the country and we have supported other communities for a long time. The time has now come for us to also occupy the deputy president’s seat currently held by Kithure Kindiki,” Wamboka said.
The MPs proposed Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as the most suitable candidate from the region for the role.
They described the former Kakamega governor as an experienced administrator with deep political influence across Western Kenya.
Kalasinga urged leaders from the region to close ranks and avoid divisions that could weaken their bargaining power ahead of the 2027 elections.
The leaders spoke during the issuance of Sh6 million Uwezo Fund cheques to 83 groups in Bumula constituency in an event attended by Oparanya.
Speaking separately during the burial of Henry Wekesa in Sirisia, Waluke said the Luhya community should no longer remain on the margins of national leadership.
“We also want power. Just as ODM leader Oburu Odinga has always said, the Luhya community deserves recognition because of the support we have consistently given to successive governments,” Waluke said.
Meanwhile, nominated Senator Conny Wakwabubi told Luhya leaders to unite if they hope to successfully negotiate for top political positions.
“We must speak the truth to ourselves as the Luhya community. Every election cycle, our leaders begin as united but divisions and personal interests take centre stage as elections draw near, weakening our bargaining power at the national level,” Wakwabubi said.
“We shall continue missing out on key leadership opportunities in this country unless we learn to rally behind a common agenda and speak with one voice,” she added.
