Western Kenya, long regarded as an opposition stronghold under the stewardship of the late Raila Odinga, is fast transforming into a key battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election. But with Raila no longer at the centre of the region’s politics, Western Kenya is witnessing an unprecedented scramble for control. With more than 2.6 million registered voters spread across the five counties, Western Kenya holds significant numerical weight in a tightly contested presidential race. Ruto has already dispatched Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula to coordinate his re-election campaign across Western Kenya. “We will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Odinga.”As the campaigns gather momentum, the once predictable political landscape of Western Kenya appears increasingly fluid.

Source: The Star February 15, 2026 15:08 UTC