How Mudavadi intends to reclaim lost ground in Western

Mudavadi has given indications that he will dedicate more time to mobilising support in the region for President William Ruto’s re-election bid, with Western Kenya's significant voter numbers making it a crucial target for political parties and presidential hopefuls.

The push comes at a time when a political wave in support of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is gaining momentum across Western Kenya, with some regional leaders throwing their weight behind his Linda Mwananachi Movement.

Mudavadi, who has traditionally been regarded as one of Western Kenya's most influential political figures, has embarked on a grassroots revival strategy aimed at reconnecting with voters and strengthening Kenya Kwanza's presence in the region.

On July 10, Mudavadi declared that he was "back" as he launched a renewed effort to reclaim lost political ground for the ruling coalition.

He traversed parts of Western Kenya for four consecutive days, during which he told residents he had returned to the grassroots to listen to their concerns, engage them politically and advance the interests of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"I am now back. From now henceforth, I am going to be on the ground with you so we can listen to each other, play politics together and move forward in an organised manner like brothers and sisters," Mudavadi said.

The Prime CS explained that much of the past three years had been dedicated to his government responsibilities, particularly his role as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, where he handled matters involving diplomacy, trade, health, education, culture and the economy.

He said he would now reduce his international engagements and focus more on consolidating the Mulembe vote for Ruto ahead of 2027.

Mudavadi is expected to hold a series of rallies across Western Kenya, where he will highlight what he describes as Kenya Kwanza's achievements in the region, while outlining the government's plans beyond the next election.

According to sources familiar with his plans, the Prime CS is also preparing a mobilisation campaign targeting members of the Mulembe community living outside Western Kenya, particularly in Nairobi.

The strategy includes a series of meetings across Nairobi's 17 constituencies to encourage residents from Western Kenya to register as voters and support Ruto's re-election campaign.

Mudavadi said he would engage different clusters of the Mulembe community in Nairobi and other parts of the country through strategic meetings, beginning with a gathering in Westlands.

A key message he intends to push is for voters who may not travel to their rural homes during elections to register and vote from their current places of residence.

He will also urged young people across Western Kenya to register as voters and actively participate in shaping the country's political future.

However, Mudavadi faces a difficult challenge as he seeks to rebuild his influence in a region where new political forces are emerging.

The growing popularity of Sifuna has introduced a new contest for political control of Western Kenya, with some leaders arguing that the region needs a fresh generation of leaders.

Veteran politician and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo has rallied Western Kenya behind Sifuna, declaring that the political era of Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is coming to an end.

"This is Sifuna's time. Let us give him support. If people from other parts of the country are supporting him, why can’t we the people from Western do the same?" Gumo said.

He challenged leaders who have dominated Western Kenya politics for years to support younger leaders instead of pursuing future presidential ambitions.

"The others who are fighting Sifuna, we gave them a chance. They are talking about 2032 yet age is catching up with them. It is like me at 80 saying I now want to be President. They should support Sifuna or keep quiet," he said.

Political analyst Joseph Mutua said Mudavadi's efforts to reclaim lost ground in Western Kenya will not be an easy task, with Sifuna's rising profile creating a new political dynamic in the region.

According to the analyst, Sifuna's appeal among younger voters and his growing national visibility could complicate Mudavadi's efforts to consolidate support for Kenya Kwanza.

"Mudavadi will need more than his long-standing political reputation to reconnect with voters. Grassroots mobilisation, addressing local concerns and building a strong political message will be critical," Mutua said.