Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiot has asked the Luhya community to abandon presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general election, saying the community has no history of winning the top seat and should instead back President William Ruto.
Speaking during a public rally in Kakamega, Cheruiot said Luhya leaders eyeing State House were misleading the community.
“Luhyas, stop daydreaming because you will never win presidency! Since 1992, no Luhya has vied for presidency and won. The history will repeat itself in 2027 as President William Ruto will be declared the winner,” Cheruiot said.
The Kenya Kwanza senator argued that running for president requires massive resources for nationwide voter mobilization, and asked the Mulembe Nation to drop “young leaders” he termed incapable of managing the country.
“For one to vie, he or she should have enough resources that will be used for voter mobilisation,” he added. “Back the Kenya Kwanza government as the only hope that will transform the economy.”Cheruiot’s remarks come days after sections of Luhya leaders endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for the 2027 presidency.
On August 2, 2026, the Luhya Elders Forum announced support for Sifuna, calling on opposition formations to unite behind him. Forum Deputy Chairperson Noah Wekesa said the endorsement was driven by Sifuna’s “growing national profile and cross-party outreach”.
“Our son Edwin Sifuna has been accepted by a lot of Kenyans. And, since he is our son, we naturally want to state very clearly that we support his efforts,” Wekesa said.
Sifuna, who was ODM Secretary General, has said he is “very strongly considering” a presidential run if the Linda Mwananchi movement endorses him. He maintains the decision will rest with supporters, not with him personally.The split reflects a growing divide within Mulembe politics.
While Sifuna and allies including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya are pushing for a Luhya candidate in 2027, Kenya Kwanza leaders from the region are urging the community to stick with President Ruto.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula made similar remarks, telling Sifuna to “stop daydreaming” and that Ruto would defeat him.With 2027 campaigns already taking shape, the contest for Western Kenya’s political direction is expected to intensify in the coming months.