After the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga in March last year, Dr William Ruto has stepped up his efforts to win over Western Kenya leaders.
His key allies and point men in the region now include senate speaker Ken Lusaka, former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, his Sirisia counterpart John Waluke and Sports CS Rashid Echesa.
Others are Mumias East MP Ben Washiali, Navakholo’s Emmanuel Wangwe, Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Moses Malulu (Malava) and Dan Wanyama (Webuye West).
Bungoma woman representative Catherine Wambilianga , MPs Moses Mabonga (Bumula) and Omboko Milemba of Emuhaya are in his camp.
Wambilianga told a local daily the region is keen on backing leaders who focus on development.
“We are no longer interested in party based politics. We will support the Deputy President who has shown the energy to change our country,” she said yesterday.
Washiali said Western region was shifting from the politics of handouts and empty promises to one that is focused on the betterment of the lives of people.
“This development that we aspire to have will come from the partnerships and working engagements from leaders with people’s interest at heart,” he said.
Mabonga said they were united in supporting Ruto as President Kenyatta’s successor in 2022, noting that the region’s development plan had been stained by its historical ties with Opposition politics.
“We do not want to remain behind in terms of development again. We are going to have friends who will change the lives of the people,” he added.
Milemba said he would continue working closely with the government for the benefit of his people.
“My people have given me a go-ahead to work with Ruto in addressing the challenges facing them. My short time with the Deputy President has yielded fruits in terms of development projects for my people,” Milemba said.
The inroads being made by the DP however are running into headwinds with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula are ganging up against him.