Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula has defended President William Ruto’s record in Western Kenya, saying the region has benefited from government appointments and development projects despite not backing the president in the 2022 general election.

Speaking on Sunday, June 28, 2026, during a church service at St Francis Miyanga Catholic Church in Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said it was unfair for leaders aligned to the opposition to claim that the president had failed to honour a political understanding reached during the 2022 elections.

He said Ruto had shown commitment to Western Kenya through key appointments in government, including the inclusion of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, eight Principal Secretaries, and other senior officials from the region.

“I observed that the appointment of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, myself, Cabinet Secretaries, eight Principal Secretaries and other leaders from the region reflects the President’s confidence in and commitment to the people of Western Kenya,” Wetang’ula said.

He added that the region had also benefited from ongoing and revived development projects. These include the revival of stalled road projects, the planned expansion of Matulo Airstrip, and the proposed Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) station at Miyanga Township.

According to him, these projects will improve transport, boost trade, and create jobs across Bungoma and the wider Western region.

Wetang’ula also used the platform to push for political unity in the region, urging residents to support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. He said the development record in Western Kenya was clear and should guide political decisions going forward.

“I also highlighted the revival of stalled road projects, the planned expansion of Matulo Airstrip, and the proposed SGR station at Miyanga Township which will boost trade, create jobs and improve transport across the region,” he added.

He further told residents to back the current administration, saying it had demonstrated goodwill to the region even though it did not deliver majority votes in the last election.

Wetang’ula eyes 2032

Political leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government have in recent months intensified their campaigns in Western Kenya, with some endorsing Wetang’ula as a possible running mate for President Ruto in 2027. A section of governors and MPs from the region have also pledged to mobilise millions of votes for the President’s re-election bid.

At a separate function, Western leaders argued that the region’s growing political unity and population strength could shape the 2027 election outcome. Some leaders have also positioned Wetang’ula as a future presidential contender after 2027.

Wetang’ula himself has signalled that he is eyeing the presidency in 2032, saying his long political career has prepared him for higher national office. Speaking during a meeting in Webuye East, Bungoma County, on May 10, 2026, he pointed to his experience in government as proof of his readiness.

“Sasa mambo ya siasa, nimekuwa ordinary MP, nikakuwa assistant minister, nikakuwa minister, nikakuwa senator wenu, sasa niko Speaker, number three in Kenya,” he said.

He added that his focus is now on national leadership and unity rather than lower political offices, suggesting he is not interested in “smaller” roles going forward.