Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has stated that there are higher chances for the Western region to clinch the presidency in 2032 after President William Ruto completes his second term.

While speaking after a church service in Mumias East on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the first-term governor urged Mulembe locals to unite and support President William Ruto’s second term, saying that after his tenure, he will hand over power to the Mulembe region, which has long desired to taste the presidency.

He further stated that if leaders from the region unite behind one person, the presidential dream will be successful.

He also urged them to build friendships with leaders from different parts of the country, starting with their neighbours in Rift Valley, Nyanza, Pwani, and other regions.

“Mimi najua baada ya 2027, 2032 lazima kiti ya urais ije Western, na mimi niko na imani ya kwamba tukiungana viongozi wote kutoka mkoa huu, tuanze kutafuta marafiki kule Rift Valley, tuanze kutafuta marafiki kule Nyanza na hata Pwani, kiti ya urais kuna uwezekano ije hapa Western,” Barasa stated.

Musalia declaring presidential interests

The debates and talks about the region clinching the presidency in 2032 have persisted for a long time. Recently, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi declared his interest in taking over from Ruto in 2032 after the completion of his second term.

Speaking to Western Kenya–based radio stations on Friday, January 30, 2026, Mudavadi said that should President William Ruto complete his second term in office in 2032, he would seek to succeed him.

“Kwa mapenzi ya Mungu, nikiwa na afya njema, 2032 nitakuwa kwa kinyang’anyiro,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi, who has recently affirmed his position within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), said this is why he is urging the Western Kenya region to align with the ruling party early. According to him, UDA is the only party with a national presence and easier access to power.

Wetang’ula’s presidential ambitions

His remarks come days after National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula also declared interest in the 2032 presidential race, saying he is well placed to succeed President Ruto if he completes his second term.

Wetang’ula has urged the Western region to support President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, arguing that continued backing would position the region to negotiate for power in 2032.

“Personally, I am doing so, for the Luhya community’s dream of wanting to rule the country will be determined by the 2027 elections. We will support William Ruto, and after his term in 2032, I will be ready to take over from him; the field will be open,” he added.

President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has echoed similar views during his recent tours of Western Kenya, urging residents to support UDA and President Ruto’s re-election in 2027. He has said that when Ruto exits office in 2032, he will support a candidate from the region.

Bumula MP Jac Kwamboka has come out to dismiss Mudavadi’s and Wetang’ula’s 2032 presidential ambitions, saying that the region is ready to produce a president as early as 2027.