Caption: President William Ruto acknowledges cheers from members of the public after addressing them in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, after presiding over the Defence Forces Recruitment Training School, Passing-Out Parade at Moi Barracks in Eldoret, in the county on August 13, 2026....

📋 Breaking It Down

Pro-government politicians drawn from Nyanza and Western regions have announced plans for joint campaigns as they seek to consolidate support for President William Ruto in the two regions.

At the heart of the plan is a push to retain the traditional bases of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the team led by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi projecting to secure about seven million votes for the president.

Part of the broader plan to ramp up the numbers in the two regions includes laying claim to the running mate slot. ODM has since proposed Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as a possible replacement for Deputy President Kithure Kindik i. According to insiders, picking a member of the outfit is likely to appeal to the ODM traditional bases.

📌 What You Need to Know

The Luo Nyanza counties of Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay cumulatively have 2.41 million votes as per the current register. A projection by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shows that the four counties would in 2027 polls have 2.78 million votes.

In Western, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia currently boast of 2.9 million voters. IEBC projects that the five counties will have 3.4 million voters by the time the country goes to the election on August 10, 2027.

The plan, however, faces a strong challenge from the Linda Mwananchi movement. In Western, the movement has continued to gain traction, with members of the ODM breakaway team rallying behind Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the presidency.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addressing a Linda Mwananchi rally at Mazembe Grounds in Nakuru City on April 19, 2026.

Some of the region’s top political figures, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Kakamega Senator Boni Khakwale, have since aligned themselves with Mr Sifuna.

Luo Nyanza is also going through a major political realignment following the death of Raila. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Suba South MP are some of the notable figures from the region who have fallen out with the mainstream ODM. They have teamed up with Mr Sifuna in challenging the influence of the current ODM leadership.

📰 Source: Nation Africa