Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has declared his interest in the 2032 presidential race.

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.

He said that fully embracing UDA would give him and the region easier access to the Rift Valley, where the party enjoys strong support, as well as other parts of the country. This, he noted, is necessary for anyone seeking to build national support for a presidential bid.

“Ndio maana naambia watu tujipange sasa. Mapema ndiyo best. Tuwe kwa chama ambacho kina footprint kubwa kitaifa, na hicho chama ni 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

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.

Wetang’ula/Mudavadi/Oparanya proposed pact

The developments come amid indications of a possible joint political arrangement involving Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, aimed at mobilising Western Kenya to support President Ruto in 2027.

The region has about 2.7 million registered voters, according to the 2022 General Election results.