The leaders, who met in Naivasha over the weekend, urged President William Ruto to consider appointing either Mudavadi or Wetang’ula as his running mate in the next election.
The declaration has now triggered intense political debate, with analysts suggesting the move could be part of a wider strategy to contain the growing influence of younger Western Kenya leaders such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
According to reports from the meeting, leaders from the Western region argued that the community deserves a more prominent position in government due to its large voting population and long-standing support in national politics.
“We also want the running mate position because we have a large voting population and leaders capable of holding that office,” Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera reportedly said during the gathering.
Political observers now believe the endorsement may significantly reshape political alignments in the region as competition for influence intensifies ahead of 2027.
Some analysts argue that the renewed push for Mudavadi and Wetang’ula is aimed at consolidating senior Western Kenya leadership under President Ruto’s camp before youthful and outspoken leaders gain further momentum.
Edwin Sifuna and George Natembeya have recently attracted growing support, especially among younger voters, due to their outspoken criticism of the government and their push for accountability and regional empowerment.
Sifuna, who serves as Nairobi senator and ODM secretary general, has increasingly positioned himself as one of the strongest youthful political voices nationally.
Natembeya, on the other hand, has continued building political influence in Western Kenya through his populist style and criticism of both government and opposition leadership.
Analysts say the Naivasha declaration could therefore be interpreted as an attempt to preserve the dominance of established political figures within the Mulembe political structure.
The endorsement also places President Ruto in a delicate political situation, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s position increasingly appearing vulnerable amid growing succession politics within Kenya Kwanza.
Besides Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, other names believed to be eyeing the powerful deputy president position include Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru.
As the 2027 succession race gradually gains momentum, political observers believe competition over the deputy president slot could become one of the defining battles shaping alliances within the ruling coalition.
The developments are expected to further intensify political realignments both within Western Kenya and across the national political landscape in the coming months.
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