'I Opened the Door': Mudavadi Declares Bid to Become First Mulembe President, Calls for Western Unity

 Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has intensified his long-term presidential ambitions, declaring that after becoming the first Vice President from the Mulembe community, he now wants to make history as the first President from the region.

Speaking during a church function attended by leaders and faithful from the Western Kenya region, Mudavadi urged the Mulembe community to remain united behind President William Ruto's re-election in 2027, arguing that such unity would strengthen the region's bargaining power and pave the way for a Luhya presidency after Ruto's second term. 

"I was the first Vice President from the Mulembe community; I opened that door, and I will be the first to become President from this Mulembe nation," Mudavadi said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said his political journey has already broken significant barriers for the Western Kenya region and insisted that the community should now focus on achieving the country's highest office through a united political strategy.

Mudavadi emphasized that political unity, voter mobilization and strategic alliances would be key in positioning the Mulembe community for future national leadership. He urged eligible voters, particularly those living in urban areas such as Nairobi, to transfer their voter registration where it would maximize the community's influence in national elections.

His remarks come amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders across the political divide positioning themselves for the post-Ruto succession debate expected to dominate Kenyan politics after the next polls.

Mudavadi also reiterated his commitment to President William Ruto's re-election campaign, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on securing a decisive victory in 2027 before discussions about future presidential succession begin. He maintained that a strong showing for Ruto would create the political environment necessary for Western Kenya to negotiate from a position of strength. 

The former Vice President has previously argued that he laid the foundation for the Mulembe community's quest for the presidency, pointing to his 2013 presidential bid as evidence that he was the first leader from the region to seriously pursue the country's top seat in the modern multiparty era. 

Over his three-decade political career, Mudavadi has served in several senior government positions, including Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, and currently Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, making him one of Kenya's longest-serving political leaders.