Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Western Kenya to adopt a forward-looking political strategy that extends beyond the 2027 General Election. Addressing over 2,000 representatives at the launch of the Magharibi Movement Lobby Group at Kakamega High School on August 15, 2026, Mudavadi emphasized the importance of long-term planning to secure the region’s political and developmental interests.
He urged residents to increase voter registration numbers, highlighting that Western Kenya currently has about 2.9 million registered voters but needs to reach at least 3.4 million by January 2027 to strengthen its political influence. "Politics is about numbers," Mudavadi noted, stressing that boosting voter registration is crucial to ensuring President William Ruto’s second term is free from petitions.
"Our agenda must go beyond 2027," Mudavadi said. "Other regions are already positioning themselves strategically, and Western Kenya must do the same by crafting a clear roadmap and focusing on impactful projects." He encouraged support for President Ruto’s administration, linking continuity to safeguarding development gains and enhancing the region’s chances of producing Kenya’s next president after Ruto’s two terms.
Rironi-Mau Summit Road: A Case of Neglect and Revival
Mudavadi criticized past administrations for neglecting key infrastructure projects in Western Kenya, citing the Rironi-Mau Summit road as a notable example. He recalled opposition from senior officials who deemed the road economically unviable, a stance he said reflected a lack of commitment to the region’s welfare.
Under President Ruto’s government, the road is now being expanded to improve connectivity between Western Kenya, Malaba, and the broader East African region, while also reducing travel time to Nairobi. Mudavadi linked such infrastructure initiatives to the need for political stability and urged the public to back Ruto’s re-election bid.
Magharibi Movement: A Long-Term Political Vehicle
The Prime CS described the Magharibi Movement not merely as a campaign tool but as a strategic network aimed at championing the region’s welfare and political future. "Winning the presidency requires a party, a structure, and a network," he said, underlining efforts to build a new political vehicle for Western Kenya.
