Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on residents of Western Kenya to stop demanding government development projects and influential appointments without supporting leaders affiliated with President William Ruto. Speaking in Nyang’ori, Vihiga County, Mudavadi emphasized that the region's ability to secure senior government and parliamentary positions depends on electing more UDA-aligned leaders. He argued that Western Kenya undermines its political bargaining power through divisions.
Mudavadi stressed that Parliament has become crucial in determining public resource allocation, with the Executive only proposing the national budget while lawmakers decide on allocations. He urged Western Kenya to elect more MPs supporting the government to secure leadership positions in influential parliamentary committees, particularly those overseeing Budget, Energy, and Education. Mudavadi wants the region to control key parliamentary committees to influence national resource allocation.
The Prime CS questioned why Western Kenya has secured few chairmanship positions in parliamentary departmental committees, challenging local lawmakers to explain the situation. He mentioned that apart from the Public Accounts committee, the region has not secured any other chairmanship positions. Mudavadi blamed political fragmentation for limiting the region's influence, alleging that rival political players exploit divisions to prevent Western leaders from securing substantive positions.
Mudavadi also urged residents to elect more UDA-aligned members of county assemblies, emphasizing that grassroots political representation is equally important. He offered to nominate some residents as MCAs in the county assembly, highlighting the importance of aligning with the ruling administration. This approach, Mudavadi believes, will give Western Kenya greater influence over national decisions and resource allocation.
The Prime CS revisited his previous appeals for Western Kenya residents to support President Ruto, citing concerns over the pace of road construction and infrastructure projects. He argued that residents failed to heed his earlier advice to align with the ruling administration, now questioning the government's development record in the region. Mudavadi maintained that President Ruto is poised to seek another term in the 2027 General Election.
Mudavadi challenged opposition leaders to demonstrate a credible alternative to President Ruto's administration. His remarks underline the push for greater political alignment between Western Kenya and the Kenya Kwanza administration. The Prime CS argued that stronger representation by government allies would give the region greater influence over national decisions and resource allocation.
The call for Western Kenya to support Ruto allies comes amid criticism from residents and political leaders over the pace of development projects in the region. Mudavadi's statements reflect his ongoing efforts to rally support for the government in Western Kenya, emphasizing the need for the region to align with the ruling administration to secure government jobs and development projects.
Key points
- Mudavadi urges Western Kenya to elect more UDA-aligned leaders to secure government jobs and development projects.
- The region's influence in national resource allocation depends on its representation in Parliament, according to Mudavadi.
- Mudavadi challenges opposition leaders to present a credible alternative to President Ruto's administration.
