Kakamega, May 15, 2025 President William Ruto faces a herculean task in regaining political ground in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. According to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, the president must convincingly explain what his administration has delivered in the region—ranging from stalled infrastructure projects, key roads, the long-promised upgrade of Kakamega Airstrip to airport status, and other government installations.
Khalwale, once a key ally who helped galvanise the region in Ruto’s 2022 campaign, now appears increasingly critical of the president’s record. In recent statements, the outspoken senator warned that the people of Western would demand tangible results—not just promises—before extending their support again.
Ruto’s numerous tours of the vote-rich region have so far yielded more pledges than action, frustrating allies and raising doubts about his influence in the five counties that make up Western Kenya—Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, Busia, and Trans Nzoia.
Political analyst and USP Secretary General Barrack Muluka argues Ruto’s credibility in the region is fading fast. “Trust has eroded,” he said. “If the trend continues, Ruto could become the first single-term president in Kenya’s history.”
The president has already lost several allies who helped him secure votes in the last election, including former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who has now aligned with ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Khalwale, eyeing the Kakamega governorship in 2027, could be next, based on his recent utterances.
While Ruto maintains ties with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya insists the duo no longer command political direction in the region. “They’ve failed to offer leadership, and their presence won’t win Ruto support here,” he said.
Natembeya accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of marginalising the region and presiding over economic decline, calling on residents to reject the president and what he termed his “flower girls.”
Tensions between Ruto and Khalwale played out publicly during a recent presidential tour, with the president questioning why the senator was contradicting the government. Khalwale has persisted in his criticism, calling for accountability, fulfilment of promises, and the sacking of underperforming Cabinet Secretaries—including Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
“The people deserve candid, results-based engagement—not just promises, but visible transformation and inclusive governance,” Khalwale told supporters in Mumias.
As the 2027 race takes shape, Western Kenya may yet prove to be President Ruto’s biggest political test.