The political tectonic plates of Western Kenya have shifted violently today. In a calculated move that reeks of high-stakes survivalism, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has formally defected from the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), vowing to deliver the Mulembe nation to President Ruto.

This is not merely a change of party jersey; it is a declaration of war against the Azimio status quo in the region. Savula, a politician known for his sharp tongue and fluid allegiances, has effectively pulled the rug out from under his boss, Governor Fernandes Barasa. By pledging to marshal 2.6 million votes for the ruling coalition, Savula is positioning himself as the new kingpin of Western politics, betting his career on the premise that the opposition has "nothing to offer" but grievance and rhetoric.

The Mathematics of Treachery

Speaking to a packed hall in Kakamega, Savula did not mince words. He characterized his former party as a sinking ship, incapable of steering development to the region. "I cannot stay in opposition because they have nothing to offer," he declared, flanked by UDA stalwarts who welcomed their new prize catch. His defection is seen as the first salvo in the battle for the 2027 gubernatorial seat, a contest that promises to be as bruising as it is expensive.

The logistics of his promise—2.6 million votes—are ambitious, bordering on the fantastical. Yet, Savula’s grassroots network is undeniable. He is banking on the frustration of voters weary of being in the political cold. His strategy is clear: trade loyalty for development projects, a transactional brand of politics that resonates in a region hungry for infrastructure and government jobs.

• The Barasa Factor: Governor Fernandes Barasa now finds himself isolated in his own backyard. With his principal deputy now an agent of the rival camp, the county government faces a paralysis that could stall service delivery.
• DAP-K’s Implosion: The defection signals a potential death knell for DAP-K in Kakamega. Once a fortress for Eugene Wamalwa’s influence, the party is bleeding commanders at an alarming rate, leaving its rank and file confused and vulnerable to poaching.

A New Order in the West

Political analysts warn that Savula’s move will trigger a domino effect across Vihiga, Bungoma, and Busia. The "Savula Wave," as his supporters call it, is designed to break the decades-long grip of ODM in the region. However, betrayal comes with a price. The electorate in Western Kenya is notoriously volatile, and Savula’s pivot to the government side will be tested in the fires of the upcoming town hall meetings.

As Savula dons the yellow of UDA, the message to the opposition is stark: adapt or perish. The Deputy Governor has rolled the dice, betting that proximity to power is worth more than loyalty to a fading coalition. For now, the Mulembe nation watches, waits, and wonders if this is a dawn of development or just another season of political auction.