By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 13 May 2026 - A fresh political storm is brewing in Western Kenya after influential leaders from Kakamega County launched a fierce attack on what they described as the region’s continued marginalisation in national development, warning that growing frustration on the ground could severely undermine President William Ruto’s prospects of securing a second term in office.
Led by Titus Khamala and National Economic Development Party Kakamega chairman Zablon Mukoshi, the leaders accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of sidelining Western Kenya despite the region’s strategic political importance and its growing cooperation with the broad-based government arrangement.
Speaking to journalists in Kakamega town, the leaders painted a picture of simmering discontent, claiming that major development projects — particularly road infrastructure projects previously launched with great fanfare under the broad-based political framework — have either stalled or disappeared altogether.
In a blunt warning that exposes mounting cracks within government-allied ranks, Khamala declared that it would become increasingly difficult for leaders from the region to campaign for President Ruto’s re-election while residents continue to see little tangible development on the ground.
The remarks are likely to intensify political anxiety within Kenya Kwanza as the administration battles rising scrutiny over regional equity, economic hardship and delayed infrastructure programmes ahead of the 2027 political contest.
But the rebellion did not stop with criticism of the national government.
Khamala also turned his attention to the internal turmoil engulfing the Orange Democratic Movement party, calling for the reinstatement of Cooperative and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to a senior leadership role within ODM.
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According to the legislator, Oparanya possesses both the political experience and national appeal required to restore the party’s fading influence and reposition it as a formidable national political force.
In remarks that could reshape succession battles within ODM, Khamala argued that Oparanya remains uniquely placed to reconcile the party’s rival factions and steer it away from the destructive infighting threatening to fracture its support base.
The MP further emphasised Oparanya’s longstanding political closeness to Raila Odinga, suggesting that his relationship with the ODM leader gives him the credibility necessary to broker peace within the party and preserve its political relevance in an increasingly volatile national landscape.
The statements from Kakamega now place both President Ruto and ODM under renewed pressure in Western Kenya — a region rapidly emerging as one of the most fiercely contested political battlegrounds ahead of the next general election.