National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged residents of Western Kenya who have acquired national identity cards but are yet to register as voters to do so, saying a bigger voter base will strengthen the region’s political influence.

Wetang’ula made the call on Sunday, July 19, 2026, during a consultative meeting with members of the Abafofoyo (Mareba) Cultural Group from the Amarachi Clan. The group was led by its King, Godfrey Amollo Mareba, and Butula MP Joseph Oyula.

The Speaker said having a national ID was the first step towards participating in elections but encouraged those who had not registered as voters to complete the process.

He said voter registration was important in ensuring Western Kenya has a stronger voice in national politics.

“I urged members of the community to encourage everyone who has acquired a national ID but is yet to register as a voter to do so, noting that voter registration is key to strengthening the Western region’s political voice,” Wetang’ula said in a post on his X account.

The remarks come as political leaders continue to focus on voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with regions seeking to increase their influence through higher voter numbers.

Wetang’ula has in recent months linked Western Kenya’s political future to unity and a coordinated approach to national leadership. He has also repeatedly suggested that the region should position itself for a bigger role in Kenya’s top political office.

During the meeting, the Speaker said Western Kenya’s path to producing a president would depend on supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

He said the region should remain united behind Ruto’s second-term campaign before pursuing its own presidential ambitions after the President completes his constitutional tenure.

“The surest path for our region to produce Kenya’s President is by remaining united and supporting President William Ruto’s re-election for a second and final term,” Wetang’ula said.

He added that he would seek the presidency in 2032 after Ruto’s term ends, asking the Abafofoyo community and other residents of Western Kenya to support his political journey.

“I assured the Abafofoyo community that once President Ruto completes his constitutional tenure, I will offer myself for presidency and appealed to the Abafofoyo community and the wider Western region to stand with us as we work towards our presidential bid in 2032,” he said.

Presidential ambitions take shape

Wetang’ula’s latest remarks build on earlier statements where he has presented his long political career as preparation for higher office. He has previously highlighted his experience as a Member of Parliament, assistant minister, Cabinet minister, senator and now Speaker of the National Assembly.

In May 2026, Wetang’ula told residents of Webuye East Constituency that he had served in different levels of government and was focused on national leadership.

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

The Speaker has also received backing from some allies within the Kenya Kwanza political camp. In May, President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet publicly supported the idea of leadership from Western Kenya after Ruto’s tenure.

Kibet said Wetang’ula had gained enough experience to lead the country, adding that the region should rally behind him.

The renewed focus on voter registration also comes as the government continues efforts to expand access to national identity documents. Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo recently said reforms were aimed at ensuring eligible Kenyans obtain IDs and participate fully in public services and democratic processes.

For Wetang’ula, increasing the number of registered voters in Western Kenya is not only an electoral issue but also part of a broader political strategy to increase the region’s bargaining power in national leadership.

With the 2027 elections approaching, voter registration remains a key focus for political parties and leaders seeking to build support bases across the country.