Vocal Deputy Governor Unveils Own Gubernatorial Campaigns After Fallout With Governor
Ayub Savula, Kakamega’s deputy governor, has announced his intention to run for governor on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) platform.
Savula spoke at the Kakamega Sports Club on Monday, February 2, confirming that he had initiated the process of leaving the opposition-allied DAP-Kenya and had already registered as a UDA governor candidate.
The deputy governor said he would attend a UDA aspirants’ meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday, reaffirming his intention to formally join Ruto’s party.
In his speech, Savula announced that his political path to leave DAP-Kenya had officially begun.
He also stated that he would stand firm with President Ruto and ignore ongoing coalition discussions with DAP-Kenya and other political entities.
“The process to officially move from DAP has started. I know ODM and UDA will work together and I want to say I will not align with the opposition. I will personally stand with my president,” Savula said.
Savula Quits DAP-K For UDA:
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 2, 2026
Kakamega Deputy Governor to formally join UDA
Savula says he will vie for Kakamega Governor in 2027#CitizenBriefs pic.twitter.com/1C0yQdPVtY
In the same press conference as Savula, Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana denied allegations of zoning or restricted nominations within UDA.
Ikana added that the party will allow all applicants to openly fight for elected seats when the 2027 election period begins.
Savula’s proclamation comes while Kakamega County is led by Fernandes Barasa of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This raises questions about how UDA-ODM political cooperation at the national level will play out at the county level.
Savula’s move could complicate coalition politics in Kakamega, especially if both UDA and ODM decide to field separate candidates despite their working relationship in the national government.
The deputy governor’s defection also signals UDA’s continued efforts to expand its influence in Western Kenya, a region that has traditionally been considered an ODM stronghold.
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Savula has served as Kakamega’s deputy governor since 2022 and has previously held various leadership roles in local and national politics, making him a potentially formidable challenger in the gubernatorial race.
His move could also reshape political alliances within the county, particularly within DAP-Kenya, which has been positioning itself as a key player in the region’s political landscape.
Earlier in the year, when Savula initially expressed intentions to ditch DAP-K, there were suggestions that he would vie for the gubernatorial seat in 2032.
The DG, however, appears to have switched his timelines.
Vocal Deputy Governor Unveils Own Gubernatorial Campaigns After Fallout With Governor
