Ruto’s 2027 deputy job splits his Western allies
Internal divisions are emerging among President William Ruto's political allies in Western Kenya regarding who should be his running mate in the 2027 election. Various factions are lobbying for their preferred leaders to secure the deputy position to increase the region's political influence.
Why it matters
This power struggle highlights the complex ethnic and regional coalition-building necessary for political stability and electoral success in Kenya.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula/FILE
President William Ruto’s 2027 running mate choice is increasingly exposing divisions among his allies in Western, with rival camps pushing for different leaders to occupy the second-highest office.
The competing demands have laid bare a growing contest among Ruto’s Western allies, with Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emerging as potential beneficiaries should the President consider changing his running mate.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is also being seen as a potential candidate.
A section of MPs allied to Oparanya on Monday demanded that Ruto pick the former Kakamega governor as his deputy in 2027.
The MPs made the demand after a retreat in Kisumu, arguing that Western deserved the Deputy President’s position as the region prepares to rally behind Ruto’s re-election bid.
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