Wetang’ula hints at 2032 presidential bid
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 10, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has again pointed towards a possible run for the presidency in 2032, building on earlier remarks where he said he was preparing for ‘higher office’ after decades in public service.
Speaking during an interactive meeting on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with a delegation from Webuye East Constituency in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula leaned heavily on his political journey as proof of his readiness. He said he has served at almost every level of leadership, from Member of Parliament to assistant minister, Cabinet minister, senator, and now speaker of the National Assembly.
He used that record to argue that his ambitions are no longer limited to parliamentary roles.
“Sasa mambo ya siasa, nimekuwa ordinary MP, nikakuwa assistant minister, nikakuwa minister, nikakuwa senator wenu, sasa niko Speaker, number three in Kenya,” he said.“Kweli nitakuwa wazimu kiasi gani kurudi nyuma kubishana kwa mambo madogo madogo,” he said.
The statement reflects a position he has hinted at in the past. During the 2022 political cycle, Wetang’ula repeatedly suggested that his goal was to rise beyond his then role as Ford Kenya party leader and play a central role in shaping national leadership after President William Ruto’s tenure.
In earlier campaign seasons, he has also framed himself as a long-term contender in national politics, arguing that his experience and negotiation roles in coalition politics make him a suitable candidate for the highest office.
In earlier remarks made in Trans Nzoia in 2025, he stated directly that he was working towards the presidency and would not aim for “smaller” elective positions.
“I, Papa wa Roma, am not in any war with anybody. I do not want to be the governor of Trans Nzoia because the governorship is too small for me. My focus is fulfilling the dreams of Masinde Muliro and Wamalwa Kijana, and that is why I need all of you behind me in my quest to be the President of Kenya,” he said.
His current remarks in 2026 appear to continue that same political trajectory.
Wetang’ula told the Webuye East delegation that his focus now is on national leadership and unity rather than internal political disputes.
“Si lazima tuangalie mbele? Lazima tutembee pamoja. And I promise not to let you down; I promise to work for you,” he said.
Broad-based politics defence
Although he did not formally declare his candidacy, his tone suggested that he sees himself as part of the next generation of presidential contenders once the current political cycle ends.
He also used the meeting to defend the broad-based political arrangement in government, saying Kenya Kwanza and ODM are now working together. He claimed ODM leader Raila Odinga supported the arrangement after weighing the country’s political situation.
“We are partners with UDA. We are partners in Kenya Kwanza… in broad-based ODM… Mzee Raila, tulibishana na yeye, tukasukuma gurudumu, alipoona matokeo akasema watu yangu twende kwa serikali,” he said.
Even with the political messaging, part of the engagement focused on development issues. Wetang’ula addressed concerns raised by sugarcane farmers who complained about irregular harvesting by millers, which they said had led to losses and reduced incomes.
He acknowledged the problem and said reforms in the sugar sector would be fully implemented to improve efficiency and protect farmers from losses caused by delayed harvesting and poor coordination in the value chain.