Tony Gachoka explains why Wetang’ula and Sifuna hold the 2027 key to State House
By Mustafa Juma, June 15, 2026KANU spokesperson Tony Gachoka has argued that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna could emerge as two of the most influential figures in determining the outcome of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a televised interview on K24 TV on Monday, June 15, 2026, Gachoka outlined what he described as the electoral mathematics likely to shape the next presidential contest, claiming that both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition will need strong support from Western Kenya to secure victory.
Western Kenya emerging as a battleground
According to Gachoka, Mount Kenya remains Kenya’s largest voting bloc, accounting for approximately 26 per cent of the national vote, followed by Western Kenya at about 18 per cent.
He argued that the region’s significance has increased amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Mt Kenya is around 26 per cent of the national votes, followed by Western Kenya, which is at 18 per cent; followed by Rift Valley, 12 per cent; Luo-Nyanza, 8 per cent; Ukambani, 5 per cent; and Kisii, 4 per cent,” Gachoka said.
The KANU spokesperson claimed that recent discussions among allies of President William Ruto suggest increasing recognition of Western Kenya’s strategic importance.
Why Gachoka sees Wetang’ula as crucial for Ruto
Gachoka said he has observed growing calls within Kenya Kwanza for Wetang’ula to be considered as Ruto’s running mate in the next election.
He argued that combining Western Kenya’s support with Ruto’s traditional Rift Valley base would create a formidable electoral bloc.
“The next deputy president candidate for William Ruto must be a Luhya, and it can’t just be any Luhya; it must be a Bukusu,” he said.
Gachoka further claimed that Wetang’ula’s influence within the Bukusu community and the broader Western region makes him uniquely positioned to help Ruto consolidate support.
“The only person who can run as Ruto’s running mate in 2027 is Moses Wetang’ula,” he added.
Claims over Kindiki’s political future
In his analysis, Gachoka also questioned the political visibility of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, suggesting that recent political developments have diminished his prominence within the ruling coalition.
“Kindiki is currently non-existent. Have you been hearing him anywhere in the last one month? After the ruling on Gachagua’s impeachment case, Kindiki is gone,” Gachoka claimed, while arguing that Kenya Kwanza may eventually be forced to rethink its electoral strategy ahead of 2027.
However, neither Kindiki nor the Kenya Kwanza leadership has publicly indicated any plans to alter the current presidential ticket.
Why the opposition needs Sifuna
Gachoka maintained that if the ruling coalition turns to Western Kenya for a running mate, the opposition will be compelled to adopt a similar strategy.
He identified Linda Mwananchi movement leader Edwin Sifuna as the opposition figure best positioned to counter Wetang’ula’s influence in the region.
“The opposition must also have a running mate from Western to neutralise Wetang’ula, and the only person to do that is Edwin Sifuna,” he said.
The KANU spokesperson has also expressed support for a possible opposition ticket led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka with Sifuna as his running mate.
2027 succession politics intensifying
Gachoka’s remarks come as political leaders continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with coalition-building efforts gathering momentum across both government and opposition camps.
Recent opposition activities, including joint rallies by the Linda Mwananchi movement and other opposition leaders, have fuelled speculation about possible alliances aimed at challenging Ruto’s re-election bid.
While no official coalition agreements have been announced, Gachoka’s comments underscore the growing focus on regional voting blocs and running mate calculations as parties begin laying the groundwork for the next presidential contest.
With more than a year before formal campaigns begin, political observers expect debates over potential tickets, alliances, and regional influence to intensify as Kenya’s 2027 race gradually takes shape.