President William Ruto has appointed Kenneth Makelo Lusaka as his 2027 Presidential Campaign Coordinator for Western Kenya, a strategy highlighting Ruto's persistent interest in the Mulembe Nation vote.

• Lusaka’s appointment reflects Ruto's focus on regional leaders with strong administrative and mobilization skills.
• The article suggests Ruto's understanding of the "tyranny of numbers" in Western Kenya, a concept dating back to the 2009 population census.
• Lusaka, a seasoned administrator and former Governor of Bungoma, is praised for his ability to communicate across numerous Luhya dialects and his extensive experience in government operations.
• The decision to tap Lusaka over more prominent politicians like Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangu'la signals a strategic choice for ground-level campaigning.
• Lusaka’s deep friendship and loyalty to Ruto, forged through various political shifts, particularly his support during the 2022 elections, cemented his current role.

Kalonzo Musyoka, Azimio Coalition party leader, has embarked on an aggressive US tour to rally diaspora support and bolster his political standing ahead of Kenya's 2027 elections, strategically engaging with influential figures in Washington D.C..

• Musyoka's trip centered around the exclusive National Prayer Breakfast on February 5, 2026, where he engaged with US President Donald Trump and other high-ranking officials.
• He leveraged his connections with Representative Jonathan Jackson (Democrat) and Representative Ben Cline (Republican) to strengthen his international profile.
• An exclusive $200-a-plate dinner at The Royal Sonesta in Washington D.C. served as a fundraising event, targeting elite members of the Kenyan diaspora.
• Thomas Musau, Secretary General of the Wiper Diaspora Team, stated that Kalonzo's message focuses on unity, justice, and principled leadership to "Komboa Kenya" (redeem Kenya), aiming to name a single flagbearer by March 2026.
• The tour is a "major prestige venture" for Musyoka, aiming to enhance his diplomatic and strategic visibility with plans for a longer trip in mid-2026 to engage more diaspora communities across the US.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), urged the Mt Kenya region to increase family sizes to six children on average, promising free education and maternal care if elected President in 2027.

• Gachagua advocated for a larger population to ensure Mt Kenya's continued influence on the national political stage.
• He pledged to reinstate the Linda Mama Maternal Health facility for free births and make primary, secondary, and higher education free, accessible, and properly funded.
• The call for increased births is supported by some local leaders, with some politicians offering financial incentives to pregnant mothers.
• Gachagua also accused President Ruto of being responsible for Kenyans fighting as mercenaries in Russia and condemned an alleged assassination attempt on him at a Nyeri church.