Mudavadi urges Western Kenya to look beyond 2027, citing Rironi-Mau road

Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, has launched the Magharibi Movement, a regional initiative aimed at mobilising leaders and residents of Western Kenya for development, political representation, and voter registration in preparation for the 2027 General Election. The movement was launched in Kakamega School on August 15, 2026, with political and community leaders from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia counties participating.

Mudavadi emphasized that the initiative aims to build a grassroots network across the region while supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. He stressed that Western Kenya's future should not be defined solely by elections every five years, but rather through daily progress in representation, development, and improved living conditions.

The movement began with representatives from 12 sub-counties in Kakamega County, where they are establishing local structures to coordinate voter registration and community engagement. Voter registration is the first major campaign of the movement, as Mudavadi believes that political influence begins with a larger voter base, which in turn strengthens the region's voice in national politics.

Mudavadi urged residents to identify eligible young people with national ID cards who have yet to register as voters. The movement will encourage voter registration during political and community gatherings and collaborate with electoral officials during registration exercises. As of July 2026, Western Kenya had approximately 2.9 million registered voters, up from about 2.6 million during the 2022 General Election; however, the region still lags behind the target of 3.4 million registered voters.

Although the Magharibi Movement will support Ruto’s 2027 campaign, Mudavadi made it clear that the organization will function as a long-term lobby group for Western Kenya, advocating for infrastructure, economic development, and the continuity of projects beyond one election cycle.