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.