National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to unite behind President William Ruto’s second-term bid as a strategic path to capturing the presidency in 2032.

Speaking at an empowerment meeting in Luanda Constituency on Friday, Wetang’ula said political cohesion in the Mulembe Nation would be the community’s strongest ticket to State House when Ruto’s tenure ends.

“This afternoon in Luanda, I called on the Mulembe Nation to stand firmly behind President William Ruto for a second term so we can position ourselves for the presidency in 2032,” he told the cheering crowd.

He stressed the importance of unity at home before seeking alliances elsewhere, urging inclusion of leaders such as Wycliffe Wangamati, Wafula Wamunyinyi and Eseli Simiyu in the broader political plan.

Leveraging 2022 momentum

Wetang’ula’s proposal builds on the Kenya Kwanza Alliance’s gains in 2022, when he and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi campaigned across Western Kenya.

“I reminded the forum that in 2022, Musalia and I traversed the region with tangible results. Politics is not enmity; it is about building partnerships. Our unity now will secure our turn at State House when Ruto’s second term ends,” he said.

He echoed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah’s view that other regions have produced presidents by staying united, adding, “This is our best chance. Let us give it everything.”

Wetang’ula has made similar calls before, including during the Western Women Congress anniversary in Busia on August 1, where he pointed to the Luhya community’s 14 per cent share of Kenya’s population, according to the 2019 census, as a decisive voting bloc.

Mixed reactions in Western Kenya

The idea has drawn both support and criticism. Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula has backed the plan, saying Ruto should support Wetang’ula as his successor.

However, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has dismissed it as partisan, urging the Speaker to focus on development priorities such as elevating Kakamega to city status and building an international airport.

“We hope to further this vision with an international airport in Kakamega and its elevation to city status. Stop fighting this,” Khalwale said.

Defending Ruto’s track record

Wetang’ula defended Ruto’s performance, citing the hiring of 100,000 teachers and reforms in the health sector as examples of the administration’s delivery.

He framed his call for political loyalty as a pathway to regional advancement, even as internal disagreements signal a potentially bumpy road to 2032.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Wetang’ula’s push could redefine Western Kenya’s political direction — or deepen divisions within the Mulembe Nation.