Wetang’ula challenges Western leaders in top govt roles to deliver development
By Enock Amukhale, June 7, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on leaders from Western Kenya serving in senior government positions to ensure their influence translates into tangible development for residents, while also rallying support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking in Luanda, Vihiga County, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, during a boda boda empowerment drive and political tour, Wetang’ula said holding top offices must be reflected in visible projects that improve livelihoods.
“Residents from Western region should feel the importance of their people holding key positions in government through development. It cannot be business as usual,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker led a delegation of 10 Members of Parliament to the constituency, where they pitched President Ruto’s 2027 bid and outlined projects they said would stall if he is not granted a second term.
“President Ruto has launched numerous development projects, including the revival of stalled major roads, construction of new roads, affordable housing projects, markets and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to the region. To ensure these projects are completed, he should be given another term to implement his plans,” Wetang’ula said.
Luhya community previous neglect
Wetang’ula said the Luhya community had historically failed to leverage its numerical strength for political bargaining, a mistake regional leaders were now correcting by uniting behind Ruto.
“This will enable us to benefit more from government programmes while positioning ourselves strategically for future leadership after the President’s two terms,” he said.
He further urged Luhya leaders serving as cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries to use their dockets to advance programmes that directly impact the community and consolidate support for Ruto’s re-election.
Local MPs welcomed the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Western Kenya, with a major station earmarked for Luanda Town.
Local projects
Luanda MP Dick Maungu, who was recently elected chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, said he had fought to retain the station in Luanda.
“The railway station had initially been moved to Yala in Siaya County in the plan, but I raised the matter in Parliament and the decision was reversed,” Maungu said.
He was flanked by MPs Beatrice Adagala, Omboko Milemba and Mary Emaase, who said the project would ease transport and spur economic growth. Nabii Nabwera, David Ndakwa, Milemba, Adagala and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet vowed to continue mobilising the region behind the Head of State.
“President Ruto remains the most popular presidential candidate in the region. We will build on his support and encourage residents to give him another term,” Emuhaya MP Milemba stated.
Nabwera dismissed the Opposition, saying it lacked a clear agenda for Western Kenya.
“They should not distract residents from supporting the government’s development programmes,” he said.