Ruto Intensifies Western Kenya Charm Offensive as ODM Leaders Push Oparanya for Deputy President

The battle for Western Kenya’s political support ahead of the 2027 General Election is gathering momentum, with President William Ruto stepping up development promises in the region even as a section of ODM leaders campaigns for Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to be named the President’s running mate.

President Ruto has in recent weeks embarked on an aggressive development tour across Western Kenya, unveiling major infrastructure projects, commissioning public facilities and pledging increased government investment. Political observers view the visits as part of a broader strategy to consolidate support in a region considered a key battleground in the next General Election.

The renewed focus on Western Kenya comes as influential leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) intensify calls for the party to negotiate for the Deputy President’s position should it formally back President Ruto’s re-election bid.

Speaking during public meetings in Kakamega County, the leaders argued that the region deserves greater representation at the highest level of government, endorsing former Kakamega Governor and current Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya as the most suitable candidate for the post. They maintained that ODM’s support for President Ruto should be tied to securing the country’s second-highest office.

The leaders further dismissed claims that the opposition’s Linda Mwananchi movement has weakened ODM’s influence in Western Kenya, insisting that the party remains firmly rooted in the region despite growing political competition.

Meanwhile, President Ruto has continued to court Western Kenya through a series of development initiatives, promising improved roads, expanded electricity connectivity, affordable housing projects, healthcare investments and enhanced agricultural support. The Head of State has repeatedly described Western Kenya as a critical partner in the government’s economic transformation agenda.

Political analysts say the race for Western Kenya’s nearly three million voters is likely to shape coalition negotiations ahead of the 2027 elections. Both the Kenya Kwanza administration and rival political formations have intensified campaigns in the region, making it one of the country’s most closely watched political battlegrounds.