Governance expert and former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia has now come out to declare that President William Ruto’s political fate in Western Kenya is sealed following the two-day opposition tour of the region.

Speaking on a YouTube podcast on July 5, Kisia stated that Western Kenya has decisively shifted away from Ruto, and the region no longer supports him. According to Kisia, the Mulembe Nation has a unique way of signalling political direction.

When one wants to understand where the region is heading, they must listen to the ground in Vihiga and Kakamega. These two counties, he explained, often set the political tone for the entire Western region.

“Kakamega and Vihiga – those are the counties from Western. When you want to know which direction the Western region is headed, you listen to the ground in Kakamega and Vihiga,” Kisia said.

He added that when the Luhya community makes up its mind and begins to shift politically, the signs are most evident in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia. According to Kisia, when these countries say ‘no,’ it is final.

He emphasised that Busia County plays a confirming role—when Busia affirms the shift, it means the region is not divided, and the decision is collective.

“When you want to know that the Lihya community has made up their mind and there is a radical shift in things, you listen to the ground in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia because when those guys refuse or say ‘Tawe,’ it is a done deal and you can’t change them,” he added.

Opposition tour

Kisia pointed to the recent opposition tour led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as a turning point.

He noted that the overwhelming excitement and turnout of the people throughout the tour was a clear message that Western Kenya had turned its back on Ruto.

Despite attempts by hired goons to disrupt the meetings, the joy and enthusiasm among the locals were undeniable.

According to Kisia, the reception witnessed during the opposition’s tour speaks volumes, and it confirms that Ruto no longer has a political foothold in the region.