This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Western Kenya has become a battleground for top politicians ahead of the 2022 General Election, with Deputy President William Ruto, Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, and Amani National Congress chief Musalia Mudavadi vying for control of the region.
Mr Ruto has been making inroads into the region, which has traditionally voted for Mr Odinga in the past three elections. Mr Mudavadi, who has also declared interest in the top seat, is keen on galvanising the region's support.
Mr Odinga's allies have warned pro-Ruto supporters to prepare for a bruising battle, with Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya saying that western Kenya 'has owners' and that Mr Ruto's supporters should tread with caution.
Mr Oparanya, who is also the Council of Governors' chairman, told leaders supporting the Deputy President to forget the region's votes, saying: 'The tangatangas who are used to driving into western should start calculating their moves because we are watching and will counter them. We want them to come with respect.'
Mr Mudavadi has criticised opposition leaders working with the government, arguing that it is hypocritical, and has said that he is preparing to form a government in 2022.
However, his critics have questioned his role in several government functions he has recently attended, particularly during the launch of the Huduma Namba service earlier this year.
