Mudavadi, Oparanya Meet MPs in Western as Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Gains Ground — What Is Happening?

 Western Kenya is becoming the new political battleground ahead of 2027, with two camps now pushing hard on the ground.

On one side, President William Ruto's allies have intensified meetings in the region. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi met UDA aspirants from Western over the weekend, a meeting that was also planned with COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

On Monday, Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya also met 25 MPs from the region in Kisumu. According to Oparanya, the meeting was about how the community will position itself in the coming elections.

Mudavadi reportedly told aspirants to go back to the wards, strengthen UDA structures and register voters, noting that about 1.5 million eligible voters in Western are yet to register.

The push comes at a time when Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi movement is gaining popularity in Western. Sifuna has declared his interest in the presidency, and his message is attracting attention, especially among young voters.

Atwoli, who attended the Mudavadi meeting, dismissed Sifuna's bid as premature, saying his time is not now and asking leaders to rally behind Mudavadi as the region's anchor.

On the other side, Sifuna's allies see things differently. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi says the Ruto camp is panicking. He questioned why Oparanya's meeting was held in Kisumu instead of Kakamega or Bungoma, arguing it shows UDA is struggling on the ground in Western.

Osotsi also claimed many Western leaders are quietly waiting for Sifuna's party to be fully registered before making a move from UDA and ODM.

At the same time, there are internal disagreements within Ruto's own team. In Kakamega, Governor Fernandes Barasa is accusing Oparanya of plotting to remove him in 2027 by supporting Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda. Oparanya has denied having a preferred candidate.

The reality is — both sides are campaigning early. Ruto's team wants to protect its 2022 Western votes, while Sifuna's team wants to take them. The voter is the one who will decide in 2027.