Ruto allies claim Uhuru backs Western leaders to split Luhya vote

President William Ruto's allies have accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of sponsoring emerging political leaders from Western Kenya to divide the region's voting bloc and weaken the President's re-election prospects in the 2027 General Election.

The leaders, led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, claimed the alleged political scheme was driven by envy over what they described as the Kenya Kwanza administration's equitable distribution of development projects across the country.

Speaking during a fundraiser for the construction of Kimangeti Training Institute in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County and Nambale Constituency in Busia County, the leaders urged the Luhya community to remain united behind President Ruto, saying Western Kenya stood to benefit politically by supporting his bid for a second term.

Duale alleged that Uhuru had turned to financing young politicians to create divisions in the region after witnessing what he termed as the success of President Ruto's development agenda.

"I want to urge the people of Western not to allow their young sons and upcoming leaders to be used by Uhuru Kenyatta, who is giving them little coins to pull this region away from government and deny it the development it has missed for the last 20 years," said Duale.

The Health CS claimed the former President was unhappy with Ruto's achievements, particularly in regions that had previously been considered opposition strongholds.

"Uhuru is jealous because of what President Ruto has achieved. He has rolled out Universal Health Coverage, the Affordable Housing programme and reforms in the education sector. He is also implementing development projects across the country, including in regions that were previously sidelined," Duale said.

He further claimed that Uhuru had failed to genuinely support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's presidential ambitions and warned Western leaders against allowing themselves to be manipulated.

"Uhuru has been my friend and I know how he uses money to influence politics. I want to urge the Mulembe nation not to allow its emerging leaders to be used for selfish political interests. We will also not allow anyone to disrespect President Ruto, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces," he said.

Duale further argued that previous presidents had been allowed to serve two full terms without sustained political resistance.

"When Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta were in office, they were not subjected to calls to serve only one term. President Daniel arap Moi also faced resistance, and today the same is happening to President Ruto. That culture must come to an end," he said.

Governor Fernandes Barasa said Western Kenya would not abandon President Ruto after witnessing what he described as increased development under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"We have seen what President Ruto has done in partnership with my administration. We are completing the stalled Kakamega Level Six Hospital, Bukhungu Stadium and major road projects. Similar projects are ongoing in Bungoma, Vihiga and Busia. No one will convince us to abandon President Ruto," Barasa said.

The governor said the region's political strategy was to help Ruto secure a second term before seeking the presidency in 2032.

"Our focus is to deliver four million votes for President Ruto in 2027. That political goodwill will position Western Kenya to produce the country's leadership in 2032. We have capable leaders, including Speaker Moses Wetang'ula," he added.

President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet accused the Opposition of opposing development in Western Kenya for political reasons.

"It is unfortunate that some leaders are uncomfortable because development is reaching Western Kenya. Every Kenyan deserves development regardless of political affiliation," said Farouk.

He challenged residents to compare President Ruto's engagement with the region to that of the previous administration.

"Western leaders should ask themselves how many times Uhuru Kenyatta visited this region compared to President Ruto. We want politics that focus on development, not tribalism and empty rhetoric," he said.

Speaker Wetang'ula maintained that Western Kenya's best opportunity to produce a president lay in first supporting Ruto's re-election.

"Leadership is about supporting others today so that they can support you tomorrow. We want President Ruto to complete his second term because of the development we have witnessed in Western Kenya. In 2032, we expect that goodwill to be reciprocated," said Wetang'ula.

The Speaker dismissed attempts to popularise youthful politicians through criticism of senior leaders.

"Young leaders should understand that politics is about convincing people, not insulting those who came before you. You cannot build a lasting political career through insults," he said.

Wetang'ula also criticised Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of neglecting Western Kenya while in office.

"You can count the number of times Uhuru visited Western Kenya for development tours during his ten years in office. Compare that with President Ruto, who has consistently engaged the region. Gachagua, on his part, has nothing to offer apart from advancing tribal politics," he said.

Lawmakers including Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, Malava MP David Ndakwa, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse and Taveta MP John Bwire echoed the leaders' sentiments, saying the Opposition lacked the capacity to unseat President Ruto in 2027.

"I want to urge our residents to remain united behind the Kenya Kwanza administration, and that our continued support for the government would guarantee more development projects besides the one we are witnessing for the region while strengthening our bargaining power ahead of the 2032 presidential succession," said Mugabe.