Democracy Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has claimed that the former vice president, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, was poised to be Kenya’s first Luhya president.

Wamalwa made the remarks while campaigning for the United Opposition candidate in the upcoming by-election in Malava on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

He urged the voters to restore community pride, starting with the November 27 mini-polls

First Luhya president

“2002 was the first time the Luhya community charted a united course and elected the NARC government, with Kijana Wamalwa becoming the vice president. Were it not for his demise, the Luhya nation would have produced a president,” he said.

Wamalwa affirmed that the time had come for them to retrace the steps that had the region rally in the opposition and made a son of the region rise to the vice-presidency.

“The time has come for the second Matete Declaration, for reinstating the dignity of the Luhya community and uniting as one,” he said.

The politician further rallied the Malava residents to brace up for the upcoming battle against the government-allied candidate, David Ndakwa.

He implored the resident to elect the joint United Opposition candidate, Seth Panyako, and put President William Ruto and his aide, Farouk Kibet, to shame.

“You have a huge test awaiting you as you return to the polls to elect your MP. Ruto came here and said that we lacked wisdom. On November 27, we will show him and his aide, Farouk, that the Luhyas are bright people,” he said.

“After we have defeated Ruto here in Malava, his dethroning will follow in 2027. Mudavadi and Wetangula are saying we should give him another term. Are you ready for another term of Ruto’s presidency? I have asked Mudavadi and Wetangula to pave the way and allow me to deal with him,” he asked the crowd.