William Ruto To Woo Natembeya as He Eyes Opposition Strongholds Ahead Of 2027 Elections

President William Ruto is intensifying his political efforts as the 2027 general election approaches. 

The president is now focusing on Trans-Nzoia County, where he plans to meet Governor George Natembeya and other local leaders to gain their support. 

This move comes after Ruto lost significant votes in the area during the 2022 general election.

According to People Daily, President Ruto is set to visit Trans-Nzoia soon as part of a development-focused tour. 

His main goal is to persuade Governor Natembeya and other opposition leaders to join his government. 

The president believes that winning the support of influential leaders in the county could help him strengthen his position in western Kenya and increase his overall voter base.

Trans-Nzoia is a multiethnic county with a history of strong political competition. In the 2022 elections, Governor Natembeya and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa did not support Ruto’s bid, making the county a difficult region for the president. 

Ruto is now seeking a strategy to unite local leaders and break the alliance between Natembeya and Wamalwa, ensuring his party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), gains influence in the area.

President Ruto’s approach in Trans-Nzoia combines political persuasion with development initiatives. 

The UDA is emphasizing projects that promote women and youth empowerment, infrastructure improvement, and access to equipment for local businesses. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is leading these initiatives by distributing machinery, funds, and resources to communities, which are expected to win local support.

The Star reported that Ruto is also campaigning in Ukambani and Mount Kenya to increase his political reach. In Ukambani, he is challenging the stronghold of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, while in Mount Kenya, he is reinforcing his presence in areas traditionally loyal to his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. 

These strategic moves show that Ruto is keen on expanding beyond his traditional support bases to strengthen his chances in 2027.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also highlighted that only a few communities dominate public sector jobs in Kenya. 

According to a report released in November 2025, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, and Luo communities occupy more than half of the positions in state parastatals. The remaining 39 communities share the rest of the jobs. 

This imbalance has often influenced political strategies, as leaders seek support from communities with significant influence in both politics and public resources.

While Ruto focuses on wooing leaders like Natembeya, the opposition is also strategizing. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa are expected to defend their strongholds ahead of the 2027 elections. 

Kalonzo recently received support from the late Raila Odinga’s allies, which has energized his campaign in Ukambani. Similarly, Wamalwa and Natembeya have long-standing political influence in Trans-Nzoia and neighboring counties.