Wetang’ula addresses claims of Ruto sidelining Western in govt
By Faith Lagat, February 6, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed claims that President William Ruto has marginalised the Luhya community in government appointments, describing the claims as misleading and unfounded.
Speaking in Sirisia, Bungoma County, during a condolence visit to the family of his long-time ally Wycliffe Songwa, Wetang’ula highlighted that the President has appointed more leaders from the Luhya community to senior positions than any previous administration.
“I have dismissed claims that President William Ruto has sidelined the Luhya community in government appointments, terming them misleading and unfounded,” Wetang’ula’s X post dated February 6, 2026, read in part.
He cited appointments including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, seven Permanent Secretaries, and several other senior officials from the region, noting that these demonstrate the government’s recognition of Western Kenya’s strong electoral support in 2022.
Wetang’ula also commended Western Kenya MPs for their unity under the Western MPs Caucus and encouraged them to intensify grassroots campaigns in preparation for the 2027 general election.
“I noted that President Ruto has appointed more leaders from the region to senior government positions than any previous administration. Despite Bungoma overwhelmingly supporting him at the ballot, the President appointed Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, seven Permanent Secretaries, and several other senior officials from the community.”
Infrastructure and development as a legacy
During his visit, Wetang’ula assured residents, alongside Sirisia MP John Waluke, that the stalled Mayanja–Busunu–Sirisia road would be completed before the next elections.
He further pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Western Kenya, including a Level Six hospital in Bungoma, an airstrip in Webuye, and the planned dualling of the Mombasa–Nairobi–Malaba highway.
In a separate statement on January 30, 2026, posted on his official X account, Wetang’ula expressed confidence that President Ruto will secure a decisive victory in 2027.
He appealed to North Rift residents, including former supporters of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, to rally behind the President to strengthen unity under the broad-based government.
Backing the Kenya Kwanza administration
Wetang’ula’s remarks align with President Ruto’s own statements during a UDA National Governing Council meeting at State House, Nairobi, on January 26, 2026, where he emphasised the successes of the broad-based government arrangement with ODM and outlined discussions for a possible pre-election coalition.
The Speaker stressed the importance of consolidating national unity, praising the performance of Treasury CS John Mbadi and other officials.