Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed suggestions that his political influence in Western Kenya is waning following the party’s defeat in the Chwele/Kabuchai MCA by-election.

Speaking on the night of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, during an interview with a local TV station, Wetang’ula challenged the notion that a single local contest could define his more than 30-year political career.

“Are you telling me that my 30-plus-year career in politics was built on the seat of an MCA? I have been in Parliament since 1992, elected over and over and over,” he said.

“Are you telling me that my entire political career, over 30 years in Parliament, is defined by an MCA seat in Chwele/Kabuchai?”

Electing an independent candidate

The National Assembly Speaker noted that the election in Chwele/Kabuchai was competitive and ultimately won by an independent candidate, not affiliated with any political party.

He explained that even within Ford Kenya, the nomination process had seen internal disagreements, which contributed to the outcome.

“An election was held in Chwele/Kabuchai; the Ford Kenya candidate did not win for reasons that now, as a party, we know, and the person who won was not from any party; he was an independent candidate,” Wetang’ula said.

Wetang’ula added that he has consulted with residents, who explained their reasons for electing the independent candidate, and he respects and appreciates their decision.

“My people have already come to tell me why they elected the independent candidate against the one that was put out by the party, and I understand and appreciate them,” he said.

Shifting political dynamics

The veteran politician’s remarks come amid speculation about shifting political dynamics in Western Kenya, where Ford Kenya has long been a dominant force.

Wetang’ula, who hails from Chwele/Kabuchai ward in Bungoma County, failed to secure the seat during the November 2025 by-election, which was won by Erick Wekesa, an independent candidate that was backed by the united opposition led by Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugine Wamalwa.

As 2027 approaches, Wetang’ula and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya have now embarked on the mission to consolidate the western region in search of the Mulembe unity.