Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has signalled his intention to vie for the Kakamega senatorial seat, launching a sharp critique of Senator Boni Khalwale and former senator Cleophas Malala over what he termed a lack of loyalty to President William Ruto.
Savula, a former Lugari MP, said leaders who were recently pushed out of government positions had themselves to blame, arguing that they failed to fully align with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He spoke shortly after announcing his defection from the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
According to Savula, effective governance requires unwavering support for the president’s agenda, particularly from leaders holding influential positions.
He accused some Western Kenya politicians of attempting to straddle both government and opposition politics, a move he said undermined service delivery and weakened the region’s bargaining power at the national level.
“They were not loyal to the president. You cannot be in government with one leg inside and the other out,” Savula said. “If given the opportunity, I am ready to take up the roles of Khalwale and Malala to ensure President Ruto’s promises to the people of Western are delivered.”
Savula described the current political realignments as normal ahead of a major election cycle, noting that alliances often shift as leaders position themselves for 2027.
He maintained that his decision to join UDA was informed by what he sees as the need for Western Kenya to be firmly embedded within government structures.
In a notable shift, Savula acknowledged that he supported Raila Odinga in the 2022 General Election under the Azimio La Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party. However, he said his political calculus has since changed.
“I supported Raila in the last election, but in the forthcoming contest, I have decided to be with Ruto,” he said, adding that he intends to mobilise support for the president across Western Kenya.
The remarks set the stage for a potentially heated senatorial contest in Kakamega, a county that has historically produced influential national politicians.
Khalwale, is a vocal critic of government excesses despite being elected on a UDA ticket, and Malala, is a former Kakamega senator and the current deputy party leader of the Gachagua led DCP party.