Savula fires back at Oparanya over Ruto's Western Kenya support claims

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula says ODM’s internal disputes should not be used to undermine President William Ruto's growing support. [File, Standard]

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has dismissed claims by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya that President William Ruto has lost support in Western Kenya.

Oparanya had reportedly warned that internal wrangles within ODM could derail efforts to rally the region behind President Ruto’s re-election bid. However, Savula urged him to stop making excuses and focus on campaigns, saying Western Kenya remained firmly behind the President.

Speaking in Kwhisero Constituency during a mobilisation meeting, Savula, who serves as Deputy Coordinator of the Western Kenya Ruto Two-Term Campaign Team, said ODM’s internal disputes should not be used to undermine growing support for the President. “ODM wrangles should not be a basis for undermining President Ruto’s popularity in Western Kenya. Some leaders are panicking unnecessarily,” he said.

Savula also dismissed concerns over divisions within ODM, including attempts to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general, arguing such issues would not affect regional politics.

He further said that the absence of ODM leader Raila Odinga from the 2027 ballot would shift votes in favour of President Ruto, adding that Western Kenya had benefited from development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“We have seen unprecedented development, and the people will vote overwhelmingly for President Ruto,” he said.

Savula predicted a landslide victory for Ruto, citing a divided opposition and ongoing grassroots mobilisation in the region.