By Governor Lusaka Press Unit
President William Ruto’s Western Region 2027 Re-election Coordinator and Bungoma Governor, Kenneth Lusaka, has declared that the outcome of Thursday’s Olkalou parliamentary by-election should serve as a political wake-up call, saying Western Kenya’s voting strength will ultimately determine President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during the Kanduyi Boda Boda Empowerment Forum in Lwanda, West Sang’alo, on Friday, July 17, 2026, Lusaka said the Ol Kalou by-election result, in which the UDA candidate lost to the DCP candidate, had allowed the President to assess the current political landscape and underscored the strategic importance of consolidating support in Western Kenya.
“The Olkalou results should be viewed as a political lesson. The President can now gauge the prevailing political mood, and that is why Western Kenya must remain at the centre of the development agenda. Completing all ongoing projects will reinforce public confidence and strengthen support ahead of 2027,” Lusaka said.
The Governor urged eligible residents of Bungoma to intensify voter registration and acquire National Identity Cards to help the county surpass the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) target for new voters.
How many new voters did Bungoma county register in 2026?
Citing the recently concluded voter registration exercise, Lusaka said the IEBC had projected 124,450 new voters in Bungoma, but only 97,900 were registered, representing 79 per cent of the target and leaving a deficit of 26,550 voters.
“We must close this gap. Every eligible resident should register as a voter because our numerical strength will determine President Ruto’s victory in 2027. The more voters we register, the stronger our bargaining power and the greater our ability to secure continued development for our people,” he said.
Lusaka maintained that, despite the Olkalou setback, President Ruto had strengthened his political standing through victories in several recent by-elections across the country. He dismissed the opposition, led by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, for celebrating what he described as a single electoral victory.
“They should not exaggerate one victory. The President continues to enjoy broad support across the country, and our focus remains on mobilising voters and delivering development to wananchi,” he added.
President Ruto’s development record in Bungoma
The Governor praised President Ruto’s development record in Bungoma, saying the administration had transformed the county through investments in roads, healthcare, markets, affordable housing, agriculture, and other critical infrastructure.
“The President’s development record speaks for itself. That is the message we will take to the people as we rally support for his re-election in 2027, even as Western Kenya strategically positions itself for the presidency in 2032,” Lusaka said.
He assured residents that leaders from the Mulembe region were working in unity to consolidate Western Kenya behind President Ruto’s re-election campaign through sustained grassroots mobilisation and increased voter registration.
The forum, hosted by Kanduyi MP John Makali, was attended by National Assembly Speaker Dr Moses Wetang’ula, President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly, and other leaders. It attracted hundreds of boda boda operators, who received empowerment support as leaders reiterated the importance of voter registration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
