KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the Western region to unite and partner with the Mt Kenya bloc in what he believes would be a winning strategy for the 2027 elections.
Speaking in Kakamega during an interview with media outlets from Western Kenya, Gachagua emphasized the potential political power of the Mulembe Nation if it consolidates its votes and increases voter turnout.
Gachagua claimed Western Kenya could mobilize over five million registered voters, a number he said would give the region significant bargaining power.
He encouraged residents to increase voter turnout from the usual 65% to over 95%, asserting that such an effort would make the region a key player in forming the next government.
“If you work hard at it, you can have five million votes. Then, you need to ensure that voter turnout is at 95% or higher. That level of participation will make your votes count,” he said.
The former deputy president also urged Western Kenya leaders to stop relying on figures from other communities to represent their interests.
He pointed to the region’s historical support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that it had not yielded the desired results.
“You have supported Raila Odinga, but he has always used your backing as leverage to bargain his way into government. It is time for the Western region to negotiate directly,” he said.
Gachagua argued that with five million votes, the Western region does not need intermediaries to negotiate for its interests at the national level.
He called on leaders from the area to organize and strategize as a unified bloc, leveraging their numbers to assert political influence.
Gachagua expressed confidence in Western Kenya’s leadership potential, singling out figures like DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
He suggested that these leaders could play pivotal roles in uniting the region and steering it toward greater political relevance.
“I am watching them, and if you ask me, I think they have what it takes to unite the region,” he stated.
Gachagua’s remarks also included an invitation for Western Kenya to partner with Mt Kenya in a broader alliance that he believes would have a significant edge in the next general election.
He projected that a coalition between the two regions, alongside other supportive areas, could easily form the next government.
“You must acknowledge that you are populous and have weight. Combine that with Mt Kenya’s voting bloc, and we will have an unbeatable alliance,” he said.
Speaking in Kakamega during an interview with media outlets from Western Kenya, Gachagua emphasized the potential political power of the Mulembe Nation if it consolidates its votes and increases voter turnout.
Gachagua claimed Western Kenya could mobilize over five million registered voters, a number he said would give the region significant bargaining power.
He encouraged residents to increase voter turnout from the usual 65% to over 95%, asserting that such an effort would make the region a key player in forming the next government.
“If you work hard at it, you can have five million votes. Then, you need to ensure that voter turnout is at 95% or higher. That level of participation will make your votes count,” he said.
The former deputy president also urged Western Kenya leaders to stop relying on figures from other communities to represent their interests.
He pointed to the region’s historical support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, suggesting that it had not yielded the desired results.
“You have supported Raila Odinga, but he has always used your backing as leverage to bargain his way into government. It is time for the Western region to negotiate directly,” he said.
Gachagua argued that with five million votes, the Western region does not need intermediaries to negotiate for its interests at the national level.
He called on leaders from the area to organize and strategize as a unified bloc, leveraging their numbers to assert political influence.
Gachagua expressed confidence in Western Kenya’s leadership potential, singling out figures like DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
He suggested that these leaders could play pivotal roles in uniting the region and steering it toward greater political relevance.
“I am watching them, and if you ask me, I think they have what it takes to unite the region,” he stated.
Gachagua’s remarks also included an invitation for Western Kenya to partner with Mt Kenya in a broader alliance that he believes would have a significant edge in the next general election.
He projected that a coalition between the two regions, alongside other supportive areas, could easily form the next government.
“You must acknowledge that you are populous and have weight. Combine that with Mt Kenya’s voting bloc, and we will have an unbeatable alliance,” he said.
