Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi addressed a gathering of bishops in Vihiga on Saturday, November 7, accusing Western Kenya voters of ignoring his political counsel during elections and later blaming him for perceived exclusion from state benefits. Mudavadi recalled urging the region in the 2022 presidential race to support William Ruto, believing the then-deputy president would win. He noted that voters chose the opposition Azimio La Umoja instead, with Raila Odinga securing roughly 1.02 million votes in the Western bloc, while Ruto received about 630,000.
Mudavadi acknowledged that the Vihiga county vote did not go his way, yet Ruto still won the presidency and subsequently appointed Mudavadi to the cabinet. Despite this, Mudavadi warned that voters cannot expect “free things” from him when they did not support his political recommendations. He questioned where the promised 30 percent of road projects is and urged the audience to stop blaming him for unmet development. Mudavadi serves as Foreign Affairs Minister in addition to his role as Prime Cabinet Secretary.
The Western region, home to more than 2.2 million registered voters across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties, still has time to make a “right choice,” though Mudavadi reiterated his belief that Ruto will win the August 2027 election. Looking ahead to the election, Mudavadi told the audience that the region’s decision remains open but cautioned that the ruling United Democratic Alliance, now aligned with his former ANC, is likely to secure a second term for President Ruto regardless of local voting patterns.
Mudavadi highlighted his political shift, noting that he previously led the Amani National Congress before it merged with the ruling United Democratic Alliance in January of the previous year. This shift comes as Mudavadi navigates his role in the current administration while maintaining ties to his home region. He emphasized that voters should not expect favors when they did not support his preferred candidate.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary expressed frustration that despite his efforts to advise the region, voters chose to support Azimio La Umoja. This decision, Mudavadi noted, has contributed to the current situation where voters are blaming him for unmet promises. He urged voters to take responsibility for their choices and not expect handouts.
Mudavadi’s comments reflect a broader dynamic in Kenyan politics, where alliances and party affiliations can shift rapidly. His advice to Western voters comes as the region prepares for the August 2027 election. With more than 2.2 million registered voters, the Western bloc holds significant influence in national elections.
As Mudavadi looks ahead to the 2027 election, he faces the challenge of balancing his role in the current administration with his connections to his home region. His message to voters is clear: they should not blame him for unmet promises when they did not support his preferred candidate. The region’s decision remains open, but Mudavadi is confident that Ruto will secure a second term.
Key points
- Mudavadi urges Western voters to stop blaming him for unmet development promises.
- The Western region has over 2.2 million registered voters.
- Mudavadi previously led the Amani National Congress before its merger with the United Democratic Alliance.
