Outspoken Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signaling his intention to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
Savula, a former two-term Lugari Member of Parliament, was unveiled during a UDA political function where he publicly endorsed President William Ruto’s bid for a second term. In the same breath, he declared his readiness to challenge and unseat Governor Fernandes Barasa, setting the stage for an intense political contest in the vote-rich county.
Addressing supporters at the event, Savula confirmed that he had formally begun the process of leaving the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K). He stated that his political future now lies firmly with the ruling party and that he will seek the Kakamega governor’s seat on a UDA ticket.
“My journey of ditching DAP-Kenya Party has officially kicked off, and I will be running for the governor post in Kakamega using the ruling party UDA ticket,” Savula announced.
The Deputy Governor also used the platform to distance himself from the opposition, making it clear that he has no intention of working with the United Opposition or former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the Western Kenya region. He emphasized that his focus is on strengthening UDA’s presence in the region and aligning Kakamega’s leadership with the national government.
Savula further exuded confidence in President Ruto’s political prospects, declaring that the President’s reelection in 2027 is inevitable. According to him, the opposition currently lacks a formidable candidate capable of defeating the incumbent.
His defection to UDA is expected to reshape political alignments in Kakamega County, with analysts predicting heightened competition as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 polls. Savula’s move adds to a growing list of politicians gravitating toward the ruling party as the race for future leadership gathers momentum.
Ayub Savula officially declares bid to unseat his boss Governor Barasa in 2027 in the Kakamega gubernatorial race under the UDA TICKET. pic.twitter.com/qPNVq4lpBF
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