Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his efforts to woo the Luhya community, signaling the critical role the region will play in the 2027 general elections.
Gachagua has been urging the Western Kenya voting bloc to align with the Mt Kenya region, arguing that their combined numbers could be decisive in forming the next government.
Speaking on Tuesday, he faulted the community’s historical political approach, saying it had failed to unite and leverage its strength for national leadership.
“It is sad that a large community like the Mulembe Nation is settling for leftovers. Why should such a populous group rely on pity and generosity when it has the numbers to lead? That does not make sense,” Gachagua said.
As part of his strategy, Gachagua has been reaching out to Western Kenya leaders while positioning himself as a key political ally ahead of 2027.

He is working closely with DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, setting the stage for an intense political showdown in the region.
Gachagua has also been actively praising influential leaders in the region, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, and former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
“Western Kenya has great leaders. People like Salasya, Natembeya, and Malala have the vision and the mindset to help their people,” he stated during an interview on Luhya radio stations.
The former deputy president also exposed what he termed as unfulfilled promises by the Kenya Kwanza government, referencing a pre-election deal signed between President William Ruto’s camp and Western Kenya leaders.
The deal allegedly promised the region 30 per cent of government appointments, including at least six or seven Cabinet slots, but Gachagua claims it only received two.

Gachagua’s push comes at a time when President Ruto has intensified efforts to maintain his grip on the region. The president recently concluded a six-day development tour of Western Kenya, aiming to consolidate his support base.
During his visit, Ruto criticized Gachagua, branding him as an ‘incompetent leader’ who thrives on divisive ethnic politics.
“We have no time for tribalists and people who are incompetent and those who want to divide our nation into ethnic and personal lies. We are united as a people, and Kenya is going to march forward as one united, indivisible country that we will all be proud to call home,” Ruto said in an apparent swipe at Gachagua.
With opposition leader Raila Odinga expected to transition into a continental leadership role as the African Union Commission chairperson, Western Kenya has emerged as a key battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.
For years, the Luhya community has supported Raila, often sidelining its own national leaders. However, with Raila now working closely with Ruto, political realignments are taking shape.
Gachagua’s latest moves suggest he is keen to fill any potential leadership vacuum, urging the Luhya community to align with his political camp.
“It is my prayer that the Mulembe Nation joins us on the winning team because, with their support, victory will be much easier,” he said.