President William Ruto's re-election efforts in Western Kenya are gaining renewed political attention following a meeting between his longtime aide Farouk Kibet and a delegation of leaders from Kakamega County.

The delegation, led by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, included Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), aspiring politicians and other leaders who visited Kibet at his Chepsaita residence.

The engagement comes at a time when political leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration are intensifying efforts to consolidate support for President Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kibet, a longtime aide and political strategist to the President, has been involved in grassroots political mobilisation aimed at building support for Ruto's second-term bid.

Savula has also featured prominently in the President's re-election mobilisation efforts in Western Kenya, having previously been identified as deputy coordinator of the Broad-Based Western for Ruto Two-Terms initiative.

Farouk Kibet Hosts Ayub Savula, Didmus Barasa as Ruto Allies Intensify Western Kenya Mobilisation

Ruto Allies Face Growing Competition from Linda Mwananchi

The meeting comes against the backdrop of an increasingly visible political contest between pro-government leaders and the Linda Mwananchi Movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The movement has been building its political structures and mobilising support across Western Kenya, presenting a challenge to established political figures aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

In recent months, Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders have held political engagements across the region, openly challenging efforts to rally Western Kenya behind President Ruto.

The political contest has prompted renewed mobilisation by government allies, with leaders seeking to strengthen grassroots networks and maintain their influence in the region ahead of the next General Election.

Kibet Speaks After Hosting Kakamega Leaders

In his statement following the meeting, Kibet described the engagement as fruitful, saying the leaders discussed development, grassroots leadership and opportunities for cooperation.

"I had the pleasure of hosting a delegation of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), aspiring leaders and other distinguished leaders from Kakamega County at my Chepsaita Residence," Kibet said.

He noted that the delegation was led by Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Didmus Barasa.

"We had a fruitful engagement, sharing ideas and perspectives on development, strengthening grassroots leadership and exploring ways of working together for the benefit of our people," he added.

Kibet did not disclose specific resolutions reached during the meeting or explicitly state whether the discussions focused on President Ruto's 2027 re-election campaign.

Nevertheless, the gathering comes amid broader efforts by leaders aligned with the President to consolidate their political networks in Western Kenya as competing political formations seek to strengthen their presence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Farouk Kibet Hosts Ayub Savula, Didmus Barasa as Ruto Allies Intensify Western Kenya Mobilisation