The Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, has vowed that the Nyanza region must produce the next president after William Ruto exits office.

While speaking during an interdenominational church service held in Kasipul Kabondo Constituency on Sunday, March 22, 2026, where President William Ruto was in attendance, the outspoken CS stated that they will ensure the region produces the right person with the right qualifications to take over the mantle from Ruto upon the completion of his term.

“When Ruto is exiting, this region must produce the next president of Kenya, and we will give you the right people with the right qualifications and right competence,” Mbadi made it clear.

The neighbouring Mulembe region is also positioning itself to take over leadership after Ruto’s retirement in 2032. Leaders from the region, such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, have expressed interest in the top seat in 2032, urging the region to rally behind President Ruto in 2027 so that he can reciprocate support in 2032.

Mudavadi’s presidential ambitions

Musalia Mudavadi, who recently dissolved his Amani National Congress (ANC) party to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has also urged the region to embrace the UDA, saying that by doing so, they automatically become part of a national political footprint.

According to him, the UDA is the only party with a national outlook, and if the region strongly aligns with it, it will gain support from the Rift Valley and other regions in 2032 when it will be seeking power.

“Ndio maana naambia watu tujipange sasa. Mapema ndiyo best. Tuwe kwa chama ambacho kina footprint kubwa kitaifa, and that chama is UDA. Ukitafuta kiti kwa chama kikubwa kama UDA, mara moja unaingia Rift Valley na sehemu nyingine ambako UDA iko,” he said.

Mudavadi also criticised smaller parties in the Western region, saying they lack a national outlook. He questioned how leaders relying on such parties would gain nationwide support when vying for the presidency.

“Ikiwa uko kwa mtumbwi, footprint yako itakuwa namna gani kwa sehemu zingine?” he asked.

Wetang’ula’s presidential ambitions

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who is also eyeing the presidency in 2032, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the only path to power is by supporting Ruto in 2027.

In recent times, the president has conducted tours across the two regions, launching and unveiling development projects as part of efforts to solidify support in both regions.