Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has stirred significant conversation within political circles by asserting that no current leader from Western Kenya possesses the capability to vie for the presidency in the upcoming 2027 elections. During an engaging interview on a local radio station, which took place on December 10, 2025, Barasa urged regional leaders to rally behind President William Ruto and his reelection efforts, rather than seeking their own presidential aspirations.
Barasa’s sentiments reflect a modernization in political strategy within the Luhya community. He emphasized that aspiring for the presidency should not overshadow the importance of regional unity and support for existing leaders. He clarified that the ambition for leadership from Western Kenya has not waned; instead, unity and collaboration with other regions, especially the Rift Valley, are vital for eventual success.
“If we want to ever rule the country, we must first make friends, and the first allies that we should have are the Rift Valley region, who are in power now,” Barasa stated pointedly. His call for camaraderie underscores a pragmatic approach towards building political bridges, highlighting that such alliances could facilitate reciprocal support for future Luhya leaders.
In underlining the pathway to eventual leadership, Barasa reiterated the historical context of President Ruto’s political maneuvers. He pointed out that Ruto strategically sidelined his own presidential ambitions in earlier elections to support other key leaders, a strategy that ultimately facilitated his rise to the presidency in 2022.
Wetangula’s Presidential Aspirations
This discourse comes at a time when National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has vocalized his intent to run for the presidency in 2032. This declaration adds another layer to the complex political landscape of Western Kenya.
Wetangula echoed Barasa’s assertion, emphasizing that the pathway to power lies in supporting President Ruto during the 2027 elections. He believes that such alignment will allow him—and other leaders from the region—to pursue their own presidential ambitions in the future.
The sentiment of unity and support for Ruto is further reinforced by President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, who has been actively campaigning for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in Malava. He reiterated the message that Western Kenya is positioned to assume power following Ruto’s term if they can successfully back his reelection.
Despite these calls for unity, not all voices from Western Kenya are in agreement with this narrative. Opposition leaders from the region have openly criticized the incumbent administration, arguing that President Ruto’s contribution to the welfare of Western Kenya has been minimal. They advocate for a more self-reliant approach to leadership and representation.
Prominent among these critics is Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for the region’s interests at the national level. His stance signifies a growing conversation about the dynamics of power and representation in Western Kenya.