Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has declared his commitment to rally at least 2.6 million votes from Western Kenya in support of President William Ruto ahead of the next general election.
Savula said his decision follows the Malava by-election, after which he formally reached out to the president to signal his alignment with the government.
He noted that the move was informed by political realities in the region and the need for continuity in leadership.
The deputy governor revealed that the vote-hunting mission will be spearheaded by outgoing Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, working alongside elected leaders and aspiring candidates across Western Kenya.
According to Savula, the strategy is to build a strong grassroots structure that reaches every constituency and ward.
He explained that a caucus bringing together MPs, ward representatives and aspirants has already been formed.
The team is expected to coordinate campaigns, mobilise voters and consolidate support for Ruto throughout the region.
Savula argued that the Luhya community, which has previously been divided politically, is now ready to rally behind one leader.
He claimed that with the passing of veteran opposition figure Raila Odinga, Western Kenya voters are likely to shift their loyalty to Ruto, whom he described as the natural beneficiary of Raila’s former support base.
He further stated that Raila had, before his death, encouraged his supporters to work with the government, a position Savula says the region will continue to respect.
In his view, remaining in government offers Western Kenya a better chance to influence development and policy.
The deputy governor dismissed alternative opposition formations, saying they lack historical ties to the region’s voting patterns. He insisted that the focus is firmly on backing the sitting president.
As part of his realignment, Savula officially ditched the Eugene Wamalwa-led Democracy for Action Party of Kenya and joined Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance.
He has also declared his intention to contest the Kakamega governorship in 2027, signalling that his political future is now firmly anchored within the ruling coalition.