Wetang’ula questions impact of Mulembe leaders in Ruto’s govt
By Mustafa Juma, March 17, 2026National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has challenged leaders from Western Kenya serving in senior government positions to step up efforts in addressing poverty in the region, questioning their overall impact despite holding influential offices.
Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, shortly after an inspection tour of the modern Chwele Market in Sirisia Constituency alongside President William Ruto, Wetang’ula said the region has not felt sufficient benefits from the numerous appointments made by the Head of State.
The Speaker noted that several leaders from the Mulembe nation have been appointed to key roles in the Cabinet and as Principal Secretaries, but their presence in government has yet to translate into meaningful improvements in the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
“Rampant poverty hinders development and economic progress in our region. Today, while accompanying President William Ruto to inspect the modern Chwele Market in Sirisia Constituency, I urged Western region leaders in senior government positions to use their influence to uplift more people out of poverty,” Wetang’ula stated.
“I noted that despite the President appointing many leaders from the Mulembe nation to key roles in the Cabinet and as Principal Secretaries, their impact on improving the living standards of our people remains inadequate.”
Ruto’s second term
He warned that continued lack of visible change could erode public confidence in the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasising that residents will judge the government based on improved living standards rather than political appointments.
“Our people will only truly value and support the Kenya Kwanza government, including the President’s pursuit of a second term, if their lives are visibly better rather than placing the entire burden on him,” he added.
At the same time, he expressed optimism that ongoing development projects could help spur economic transformation. He pointed to the Chwele Market project as a key initiative expected to boost local trade and provide a dignified working environment for traders once completed.
The Speaker also called on the county government to complement national efforts by improving infrastructure, including road networks and security lighting, to maximise the market’s economic potential.
“Once completed, the Chwele Market will boost the local economy and offer a respectful trading environment. The county government is responsible for improving the road system and installing security lighting for residents and visitors,” he wrote on X.
His statement signals rising pressure on Western Kenya leaders within government ranks to demonstrate results, as political expectations grow ahead of future electoral contests.
Mulembe leaders in key govt positions
Key Cabinet Secretaries (CS) and Principal Secretaries (PS) from the Western Kenya region in Kenya Kwanza’s government include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cooperatives and SMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and Environment CS Deborah Mulongo, who previously served as Health CS, having succeeded Susan Nakhumicha.
Several PSs also represent the region, specifically within economic planning, education, and industry dockets.
They include James Muhati, who serves in the State Department for Economic Planning, Beatrice Inyangala, who is in charge of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, Juma Mukhwana, who serves as PS in the State Department for Industry, Susan Mang’eni, who serves as PS in the State Department for MSMEs Development, and Patrick Mariro, State Department for Defence.
Edward Kisiang’ani is also a Senior Advisor and Member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, having previously served as PS in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications.