TANDAO MEDIA.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayubu Savula has defected from the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) to join President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), dealing a significant blow to the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Savula announced his decision to leave DAP-K during a meeting with members of parliament from Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia counties at Golf Hotel in Kakamega, citing his inability to remain in a party opposed to the government.”I cannot stay in opposition because they have nothing to offer, and from today I am not their member,” Savula declared.

He further revealed that UDA had assigned him a key role in grassroots mobilisation, serving as deputy to Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka in promoting the ruling party’s agenda across Western Kenya.Lusaka, speaking at the same event, criticised the opposition for lacking a clear manifesto and dismissed the “Tawe” slogan popularised by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as irrelevant in Western Kenya.

He also disclosed that President Ruto had tasked him with leading UDA’s mobilisation efforts in the region.Savula’s defection is seen as a significant boost to UDA’s chances in the 2027 elections, with Savula arguing that the opposition lacks a formidable candidate to challenge Ruto. He has been vocal in his criticism of opposition unity efforts, urging leaders to dissolve their parties and join UDA.