Malava MP David Ndakwa, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Alfred Agoi (Sabatia) arriving at Kakamega High School on Saturday/IMAGE/HILTON OTENYOPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Western Kenya leaders and residents to rally behind President William Ruto's re-election in 2027 while beginning preparations for the region to pursue the presidency after Ruto completes his second term.
Speaking during the launch of the Magharibi Movement Lobby Group at Kakamega High School in Kakamega County, Mudavadi said the region should look beyond the next General Election and focus on long-term political and economic interests.
He said Western Kenya had benefited from President Ruto's first term and should strengthen its voter numbers to secure his re-election.
"We should look at our numbers and register more voters to ensure we give President Ruto a petition-free 2nd term. Our agenda should span beyond 2027, strategically positioning ourselves and begin thinking of how to transform the lives of our people. We must now stop depending on the 5-year election cycle trends," Mudavadi said.
He urged the region to adopt a long-term development agenda centred on continuity of projects and future planning.
"Our agenda should focus on having a plan as a community and as a region. We begin a conversation about continuity and posterity. We plan about the continuity of projects that are important for our region, the way other regions are planning ahead," he said.
Mudavadi argued that remaining aligned with the national government was important to ensure infrastructure and economic projects are completed.
He said previous administrations had not prioritised infrastructure development in Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Bungoma counties, particularly road projects.
According to Mudavadi, some senior government advisers in past administrations had opposed the expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway, questioning its economic viability.
"Some senior officials used to tell the Presidents during the previous regimes that this road is not economically viable. We need to wake up and understand that these leaders didn't mean well for our people. President Ruto is now pushing for this road to be expanded, for it to open our region economically and also reduce travel time and costs for our people and goods to and from the capital city, Nairobi and beyond," he said.
Mudavadi said such projects justified support for Ruto's second term.
"This and other projects that are being implemented under President Ruto's administration are the key reason why, under the broad-based arrangement, we have to support his re-election. Two-Term without a petition should be our walk and talk," he added.
He described the Magharibi Movement as a long-term lobby group that would champion the interests of Western Kenya beyond electoral politics.
"This is a very powerful movement we are setting up as a network and as a strategy. This will not just be a political vehicle for 2027 but a lobby group to champion the welfare and destiny of our people and region," Mudavadi said.
He said the movement would also provide the political structure needed to strengthen the region's influence.
"You cannot win the presidency without a party, a structure and a network. Under the Magharibi Movement, we want to walk together to help increase the winning margin for President Ruto. We are thinking beyond 2027 and crafting a new vehicle that will speak for the people of our region," he said.
Mudavadi addressed more than 2,000 representatives drawn from Kakamega County's 12 sub-counties of Butere, Ikolomani, Khwisero, Likuyani, Lugari, Lurambi, Malava, Matungu, Mumias East, Mumias West, Navakholo and Shinyalu.
Leaders attending the event backed the initiative, saying it would unite Western Kenya and strengthen support for Ruto's administration while laying the groundwork for the region's future political ambitions.
Former Vihiga nominated MCA Douglas Beru said the region should rally behind Mudavadi's leadership, while Malava MP David Ndakwa said the movement would help unite the region behind Ruto's re-election and prepare for the 2032 presidential race. Former Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali also called for unity among Western Kenya leaders to chart the region's political future.
