‎Mudavadi warns aspirants against entitlement in 2027 nominations

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‎Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned political aspirants against relying on incumbency or predetermined outcomes to secure party tickets ahead of the 2027 General Election, insisting that all contestants must face credible and transparent nominations.

‎Mudavadi said party primaries must provide a level playing field for both sitting leaders and challengers, arguing that incumbency should not be treated as an automatic guarantee of a nomination.

‎“No aspirant will be favoured because he or she is an incumbent. The nomination process must be stronger than any individual,” Mudavadi said.

‎The PCS spoke Saturday during an engagement with political aspirants from the Western region at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu.

‎The meeting focused on preparations for the 2027 elections, including strengthening political organisation, increasing voter registration, ensuring credible party nominations and promoting peaceful political competition.

‎Mudavadi said every aspirant should be prepared to defend their record, mobilise support and compete under established party rules.

‎He called for transparent nomination processes supported by credible membership registers, proper polling arrangements, documented results and mechanisms for resolving genuine disputes.

‎“Winning the confidence of voters” should be the focus of aspirants, rather than relying on claims of entitlement or expectations that particular candidates will automatically receive party tickets.

‎Mudavadi also challenged political leaders in the region to make voter registration a priority, saying millions of eligible Kenyans could still be added to the electoral roll.

‎According to IEBC figures presented during the meeting, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Busia and Vihiga recorded a combined 107,093 new voter registrations in the period covered by the Commission's April 9, 2026 update.

‎Kakamega recorded 40,110 new registrations, followed by Bungoma with 26,820, Trans Nzoia with 15,974, Busia with 14,340 and Vihiga with 9,849.

‎The meeting was told that approximately 1.5 million eligible holders of identification documents across the five counties were still not registered as voters.

‎Mudavadi urged aspirants to set ward and constituency-level targets for voter registration.

‎“If you have an ID and are eligible but not registered, register. Do not wait for nomination day,” he said.

‎He also defended the independence and credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, warning political leaders against making unverified allegations that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

‎“Let us challenge IEBC with facts, documents and lawful processes—not rumours,” Mudavadi said.

‎He further cautioned political actors against declaring the 2027 elections compromised before Kenyans have voted.

‎“No one should declare the 2027 election stolen before a single vote is cast,” he said.

‎Mudavadi urged aspirants to compete vigorously while avoiding intimidation, violence, misinformation and mobilisation along ethnic, religious or regional lines.

‎“Compete for the voter, respect your opponent and protect the party,” he said.

‎He said political disagreements should be handled through internal party mechanisms, statutory institutions and the courts rather than street confrontations.

‎The PCS also asked aspirants to familiarise themselves with the electoral timetable early.

‎According to the briefing, party primaries are scheduled between March 17 and April 10, 2027, followed by an intra-party dispute-resolution period running until May 9. The General Election is scheduled for August 10, 2027.

‎“Our objective is a credible nomination that produces candidates capable of winning a credible General Election,” Mudavadi said.

‎He said the region's political preparations should be anchored on organisation, service and persuasion, with leaders mobilising voters and strengthening political structures.

‎“Let us win through organisation, service, persuasion and the ballot, not intimidation, misinformation or division,” he said.