National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula
By Njoroge David
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has declared he will run for president after President William Ruto’s tenure, warning leaders from Western Kenya that persistent divisions will deny the region national power.
Speaking at Muanda Catholic Church in Bumula constituency, Bungoma County, on Sunday, September 21, Wetang’ula urged leaders to rally behind one voice, noting that other regions already stand firmly behind their political figures.
“In this region, we have to speak with one voice like others. You go to other regions; in Nyanza, they respect Raila. Ruto is equally revered in his Kalenjin land, and so is Kalonzo when he speaks to the Kamba nation, but here at home, things are different. We have to support each other in this journey,” explained Wetang’ula.
His remarks come amid growing rivalry between leaders allied to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and those backing Wetang’ula, with accusations of betrayal and isolation fuelling political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Western Kenya, home to more than 4 million registered voters, has long been viewed as a swing bloc in national contests.
In the 2022 General Election, Raila Odinga secured 955,185 votes in the region compared to Ruto’s 611,475.
“I want to be the president of Kenya. Masinde Muliro passed on when he was close to power, as did Wamalwa Kijana. When Masinde Muliro died, it took us 10 years to get a leader, who was Wamalwa. When Wamalwa died, it took me another 10 years to reach where I am,” declared Wetang’ula, linking his bid to the community’s long wait for national leadership.
The deaths of Muliro and Wamalwa left Western Kenya without a clear national figure, a vacuum he noted has shaped the region’s politics for decades.
Wetang’ula urged residents to take advantage of President Ruto’s directive easing access to national IDs, stressing that voter registration will determine the region’s bargaining power.
“The 2027 election is going to be the defining moment for our future politics. Our unity here must extend to other parts of the country,” observed Wetang’ula.
On economic revival, Wetang’ula pointed to reforms at Nzoia Sugar Factory, noting that cane farmers are now receiving payments every two weeks.
He encouraged farmers who had abandoned the mill to renew their contracts.
Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga reinforced the call, warning that disunity would weaken the region’s influence.
“The only currency we have as a region is our unity. If we cannot speak one language, we will be doomed. It is the only way we can defend our unity and bargain on the national table,” noted Mabonga.
