Lusaka Breaks Silence on His Ruto Alliance

Governor Kenneth Lusaka has sought to end speculation about his political position, declaring that he remains committed to President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.

Lusaka, who coordinates Mr Ruto’s re-election efforts in Western Kenya, dismissed reports that he had abandoned the President’s camp as political talk.

“Stop dreaming. I am with President Ruto to the ballot,” Mr Lusaka said.

His comments come as political leaders in Western Kenya position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with competing alliances seeking influence in a region that has long played an important role in national politics.

Mr Lusaka said leaders from the Mulembe community had the right to seek the presidency or support different political movements. But he said that did not mean he had changed his own position.

He argued that the government’s record should be the main issue in the coming campaign.

The governor pointed to agriculture, roads, food security and other government projects as reasons for supporting Mr Ruto’s re-election. He also cited a reduction in the price of fertiliser, from Sh7,500 to Sh2,000, as one of the administration’s measures aimed at supporting farmers.

“We are going to every grassroots in Western Kenya to mobilise our people behind President Ruto’s re-election, anchored on development,” he said.

Western Kenya becomes a political battleground

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula also backed the administration, arguing that political support in Western Kenya was changing.

Mr Savula pointed to efforts to revive the sugar industry, including activity at Nzoia and Mumias sugar factories, as evidence of the government’s focus on the region.

He challenged opposition leaders to explain what they would do differently if elected.

The remarks come at a time when political alliances in Western Kenya are being reshaped ahead of the 2027 election. The region remains an important political constituency, and leaders are already trying to define where its support will go.

Mr Savula also urged young people to reject political violence. He warned against allowing youths to be used by politicians to cause unrest during the election period.

MPs back working relationship with government

Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau said Western Kenya stood to gain from maintaining close ties with the national government.

He pointed to investment in roads, education and other infrastructure as areas where he said cooperation with the government could benefit local communities.

Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana made a similar argument, citing road and infrastructure projects in his constituency.

Mr Ikana also called for peaceful political competition and urged investigative agencies to pursue people accused of financing political violence.

The leaders made the remarks in Shinyalu Constituency, Kakamega County, during a groundbreaking ceremony for new multi-storey classrooms at Handidi Primary School.

The event also became an opportunity for the leaders to intensify their campaign for Mr Ruto ahead of the 2027 election.

For Lusaka, however, the message was direct: despite the political shifts taking place in Western Kenya, he says his alliance with Mr Ruto remains intact.

About the Author

Eugene Stephen Were, popularly known as Steve O’clock, is a Kenyan journalist, digital media specialist and multimedia storyteller. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media from Murang’a University of Technology, with expertise in news reporting, environmental journalism, digital content, photography, videography and film production. Contact & Social Media: Phone: +24795699374 | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhhxUAYmk/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_oclock__mwenyewe | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oclockcityc.e.o?_r=1&_t=ZS-98czWCBnRxg