Former senatorial aspirant from Bungoma County, Jacob Machacha, has thrown his weight behind Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K), asking the region known as the “Mlembe Nation” to unite behind Wamalwa in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
Machacha said Wamalwa “carries what it takes to take the region to the helm of the country’s leadership.” During a one-on-one interview, he pointed to Wamalwa’s lineage, noting that the late Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa had a vision to lead the nation before he died in 2003.
Machacha urged: “Let us give his brother a try he has the interest of the region and Kenyans at heart.”
According to Machacha, Eugene Wamalwa is ahead of key regional players such as Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula when it comes to championing the Luhya community’s interests in 2027. “He will definitely bring development to the region,” he asserted.
Eugene Wamalwa, who served in various high government offices including as cabinet secretary for Defence, Justice and Devolution, is positioning himself firmly for the 2027 presidential race. He announced his intention to vie for the presidency earlier in 2024, saying he has the experience and youthful age to lead the country.
His party, DAP-K, formally endorsed him as its 2027 presidential candidate in February 2024.
The party also announced it was pulling out of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, citing ideological and leadership differences. In August 2025 he further warned that his party would not allow what he described as attempts to undermine multiparty democracy in Western Kenya.
Eugene Wamalwa is also seeking to revive the legacy of his late brother, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, who was sworn in as Kenya’s 8th Vice-President in 2002 and died the following year. Eugene recently noted that had Kijana lived, the Luhya community could have produced a president.
Machacha’s appeal comes amid growing competition within Western Kenya’s political space. Analysts view Wamalwa’s bid as a strategic move to tap into regional sentiment and challenge the dominance of other Luhya elders. By advocating for Wamalwa as the region’s spokesperson, Machacha is signalling a shift to backing a younger generation of leadership.
When asked why he believed Wamalwa was preferable to Mudavadi or Wetang’ula, Machacha cited Wamalwa’s national leadership experience, his legal background, and his clear commitment to Western Kenya’s development agenda. “We need someone who can speak with a national voice, not just a regional one,” he said.
The coming months will see DAP-K intensify recruitment across the 47 counties, according to party communications. The party aims to field candidates at all levels — from MCAs to MPs, governors and the presidency.
As 2027 edges closer, Machacha’s endorsement adds a further layer of intrigue to Western Kenya’s political dynamics and the broader national race.
