By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 18 July 2026 - The resounding defeat of the Kenya Kwanza candidate in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has reignited succession politics within the ruling coalition, with allies of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula urging President William Ruto to consider Western Kenya for his running mate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme at Friends Primary School in Lwanda, Kanduyi Constituency, leaders allied to Wetang'ula argued that the July 16 by-election outcome had exposed growing political vulnerabilities in the Mount Kenya region, making it imperative for the President to consolidate support in Western Kenya.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru the winner after he secured 35,440 votes, comfortably defeating UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes. The landslide result has fuelled fresh debate within Kenya Kwanza over the coalition's electoral strategy ahead of 2027.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka said the outcome should serve as a political wake-up call, arguing that Western Kenya had remained a dependable pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
"The Ol Kalou by-election has shown us where we stand politically. We want to assure the President that Western Kenya is ready to support his re-election bid," Lusaka said.
He urged President Ruto to reward the region with the deputy president's position, saying such a move would deepen political goodwill while complementing ongoing national development projects.
"The President should consider giving Western Kenya the deputy president's slot. Together with the many development projects already underway, that will further consolidate support for his re-election," he added.
Western Region Parliamentary Caucus Chairman and Sirisia MP John Waluke said leaders from the region had unanimously resolved to back President Ruto's second-term bid but expected Western Kenya to be recognised through the running mate position.
"We are asking the President to consider Western Kenya for the deputy president's position, and we believe Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is best suited for that role," Waluke said, arguing that the appointment would strengthen Kenya Kwanza's prospects across Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula echoed the appeal, maintaining that Western Kenya had remained steadfast in supporting the government and deserved recognition at the highest level of leadership.
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Webuye East MP Martin Pepela dismissed opposition celebrations over the Ol Kalou result, insisting the by-election would not determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
"If they are celebrating this victory, they should also be prepared to accept the outcome when President Ruto wins re-election in 2027," he said.
Despite the sustained lobbying by his allies, Speaker Wetang'ula avoided directly addressing calls for him to become President Ruto's running mate.
Instead, he urged his supporters to remain united, disciplined and focused, saying political consistency would ultimately determine success in 2027.
"I am tried, tested and trusted politically. I am focused, I know where I am going and, with your support, I will get there," Wetang'ula told the gathering.
He thanked residents for standing by him throughout his political career, describing their loyalty as the bedrock of his political journey.
"You are the people who have walked with me throughout my political journey. I urge you not to wait until the 2027 General Election to organise yourselves. During the last election, we stood at Posta Grounds in Kanduyi and agreed on the direction we would take. That was the right decision, and we have no reason to regret it. I ask our people to remain consistent and persistent on that path until we achieve our goals," he said.
Also present were Kitutu Chache MP Japhet Nyakundi, Taita Taveta MP Victor Bwire, Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, underscoring the growing chorus within sections of Kenya Kwanza pushing for Western Kenya to play a more prominent role in the coalition's 2027 electoral strategy.