The Movement for Democracy and Growth has stormed Western to fight for space ahead of the next general election.
The party has lined up activities in the former Western province during which sub-branch and branch youth and women league and mainstream officials will be elected to steer the onslaught to dislodge Ford Kenya and ANC.
The heightened activities by MDG, headed by Ugenya MP David Ochieng, comes against the backdrop of uncertainty on the future of ANC and Ford Kenya that have been struggling to end dominance by ODM.
ANC on Monday announced plans to merge with UDA, which has been pushing Kenya Kwanza affiliates to fold into one large party.
Ford Kenya leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has been courting MPs elected on other party tickets in what is seen as a plan to strengthen the party ahead of the next polls. It remains unclear whether he will follow suit and join the merger plan.
The party held the Kakamega convention on Sunday and elected officials before Ochieng addressed a rally in Kakamega town.
The party also hopes to share the spoils in the event the impending succession of ODM leader Raila Odinga disintegrates the Orange party, which has enjoyed support from the region for the last 15 years.
Ochieng', who has hinted at running for the presidency in the 2027 general election, said his intent has been informed by unequal distribution of resources across the country.
He said the imbalance in distribution of development has been caused by corruption and tribalism perpetrated by incompetent leadership.
“When I see how national resources are being distributed across the country, it pains me because there is no equity and yet it is the government's responsibility to ensure every part of this country gets an equal share of resources and development,” Ochieng’ said.
“Western is second in terms of population but the region drags behind in terms of development. That is why I have been convinced to start this journey of transforming the region in terms of development so our people can get jobs, transform our economy and ensure our people live better lives.”
Ochieng' said he believes Western should be locked out of reach of President William Ruto.
“People should stop measuring new leadership with Raila. Raila is ageing and doesn’t care what the young leaders do,” he said.
Ochieng' said the country is at crossroads and the level of poverty has increased because not much energy and resources have been put where it matters most.
“The journey to free Kenya has just started. It's for those willing to forego their comfort to ensure things change for the better,” he said.
Residents in Western have been criticising Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Wetang’ula for allegedly failing to push for development in the region, despite holding plum positions in the Kenya Kwanza government.
