“You’ll Lose Western Kenya Support To Sifuna” Manyora Warns Ruto

Political analyst Herman Manyora has cautioned President William Ruto’s political camp against assuming that divisions within the Luhya community will guarantee the Kenya Kwanza administration victory in Western Kenya during the 2027 General Election.

Manyora believes Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna could emerge as a major political force in the region, potentially attracting substantial support from the Mulembe community if he decides to contest the presidency.

Speaking during a radio interview on Thursday, November 12, the analyst dismissed arguments that Sifuna’s Bukusu background would limit his popularity among other Luhya subgroups.

He argued that political preferences in Western Kenya cannot be determined solely by ethnic and linguistic differences, warning Ruto’s allies against building their electoral strategy around divisions within the community.

“I want to tell those people who think Ruto will penetrate the West merely because Sifuna is a Bukusu; they are wrong,” Manyora stated.

The analyst singled out Vihiga County as a potential stronghold for Sifuna, predicting that the senator could secure his highest percentage of Luhya votes there, followed by Busia County.

Manyora expressed confidence that Sifuna enjoys considerable political appeal in Vihiga, suggesting that voters in the county could overwhelmingly rally behind him.

He, however, identified Bungoma as a more complicated political battleground, citing the influence of established leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Manyora described Wetang’ula as an experienced political strategist whose influence should not be overlooked. He also questioned Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s ability to shape voting patterns, arguing that his presence on the ground was insufficient.

The political analyst further maintained that Ruto’s supporters needed to develop a stronger strategy instead of relying on the assumption that Sifuna’s community background would weaken his support.

His latest remarks come amid growing political exchanges between Ruto and Sifuna, whose criticism of government policies has increasingly placed him at the centre of national political discussions.

Manyora has previously argued that attacks against the Nairobi senator could strengthen his political standing rather than damage it.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the analyst’s assessment points to a potentially competitive contest in Western Kenya, although the eventual voting patterns will depend on political alliances, campaign strategies and the candidates seeking elective positions.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/manyora-explains-why-ruto-could-lose-western-kenya-to-sifuna-in-2027

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