KISUMU, 7th September 2026 – The race for the next occupant of Harambee House Annex building is gathering steam after the Western Parliamentary Group Caucus issued a list of demands to President William Ruto, key among them the Deputy President’s seat in the 2027 general election.
The caucus, comprising more than 30 members, did not endorse any specific individual for the position.
However, they argued that the Mulembe Nation has a steadily growing voter base – currently at 2.9 million registered voters according to the latest roll released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) – with a plan to enlist an additional 1.5 million voters as they target 6.3 million.
Drawn largely from parties affiliated to the broad-based government, the leaders said they are positioning the region to succeed President Ruto after the expiry of his second term in 2032.
Speaking to the press after a day-long consultative forum, the caucus chairman John Waluke said members had resolved to campaign as one unit for President Ruto’s re-election.
“We have unanimously agreed that members of the caucus will work as one unit to campaign for the re-election of President William Ruto and we will continuously address the sticking issues that affect our people and the region,” said Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala, who read the statement on behalf of the group.
Among their demands, the leaders called for the completion of all stalled projects in the Western Region. They also commended the President for addressing taxation issues affecting hawkers, and asked that the same relief be extended to other workers.
The caucus also threw its weight behind the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) position currently held by Rachel Ameso, insisting that it must be retained in the region.
“The government should also look into issues affecting the sugar sector. However, we wish to reiterate that we reject in total the crop amendment bill,” they said.
They further urged the government to address the education funding crisis affecting many students, especially those from poor families, and called for coordinated, MP-led campaigns on voter mobilization and registration.
“We will also reach out to the Cabinet Secretary for Energy (Opiyo Wandayi) to initiate coverage of areas not yet connected to the grid and address weak and persistent power outages in the region,” the statement added.
The caucus promised to convene regular meetings and onboard Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), among other leaders.
The declaration adds to President Ruto’s delicate task of choosing a running mate. Incumbent Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki enjoys full backing from his Mt. Kenya political bastion, even as potential competition emerges from ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and Cabinet colleagues Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya.
But the Mulembe community insists it is united:”As you see us here, we speak for the people, for the community. The 38 constituencies had a representative. And that is to say that the people of that constituency are talking. The people of the five counties are talking,” Waluke who doubles up as Sirisia MP said.
The meeting was attended by notable leaders including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe,among others.
“So, we are united and we are going to make sure that President Ruto is going to win. With us, we are pushing for the win,” they assured.
