Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has proposed nominations among Western Kenya leaders as the only way to obtain a single person who will become President William Ruto’s heir in 2032.

This comes at a time when there are multiple leaders from the region, all declaring interest in the battle to succeed William Ruto should he manage to complete his constitutional second term.

While speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the outspoken deputy governor stated that he will be on the nomination list in the race to become the person who will succeed Ruto.

“The community will go for nominations in 2032 to determine Ruto’s successor. Even I will be on that nomination.”

He also continued, stating that the region’s current focus is on supporting President William Ruto to secure his second term so that in 2032 he can return the favour.

He added that the region needs to benefit from Ruto’s Rift Valley backyard, and the only way this can come to fruition is by throwing their weight behind the head of state in 2027.

Savula rejects DP position

This also comes days after he rejected demands from a section of leaders from Western Kenya who were calling for the region to be given the running mate position.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the outspoken deputy governor, who also doubles as President William Ruto’s deputy campaign coordinator in the Western region, told his counterparts to abandon the running mate debate and instead focus on the 2032 general election.

According to the former Lugari MP, the region should unconditionally support William Ruto in 2027 without demanding anything in return and wait for him to hand over power to Western Kenya in 2032.

Savula argued that the region has previously produced a deputy president but did not reap significant benefits from the position. He noted that this is why leaders should focus on how the region will inherit the presidency from William Ruto rather than imposing conditions such as the running mate slot.

Ruto’s campaign machinery

The debate comes at a time when President Ruto has established three campaign structures aimed at rallying Western Kenya behind his re-election bid.

The first campaign team is led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka and deputised by Ayub Savula. It comprises governors and deputy governors from the Western region, excluding Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who is a key figure in the United Opposition.

The second team comprises the Western Kenya Parliamentary Caucus led by Sirisia MP John Waluke and deputised by Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera.

The third campaign structure is led jointly by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Wetang’ula has recently proposed the formation of a joint political alliance between the trio to spearhead President Ruto’s re-election campaign in the region.

On the other hand, COTU boss Francis Atwoli recently intimated that he would rally leaders from the Mulembe region who previously supported the late Raila Odinga and align them behind President Ruto’s re-election bid.