National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged residents of Western Kenya to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, arguing that overwhelming support for the Head of State would strengthen the region’s chances of producing a future president.

Speaking on Friday, June 26, 2026, during a boda boda operators’ empowerment programme at Emusire High School in Emuhaya Constituency, Vihiga County, Wetang’ula said the political influence of the Mulembe Nation would largely depend on its voter registration numbers and turnout at the ballot.

He challenged eligible residents to acquire national identity cards, register as voters, and turn out in large numbers to support President Ruto in the next General Election.

Taking to his official X account moments after the event, Wetang’ula expressed concern over what he described as low voter registration and voter turnout in Western Kenya, warning that the region risked weakening its bargaining power in national politics if more residents failed to participate in elections.

According to Wetang’ula, political influence is determined by the number of votes a region delivers during presidential elections.

Linking Ruto’s re-election to Western Kenya’s future

The Ford Kenya Party Leader argued that if the Mulembe community mobilises overwhelming support for President Ruto in 2027, it would be better positioned to seek the President’s backing in the succession politics expected after the end of his constitutional term.

“I expressed concern over the region’s low voter registration and turnout as I emphasised that our political influence will depend on the numbers we deliver at the ballot. I noted that overwhelming support for President Ruto would position the Mulembe community closer to the centre of national leadership and enhance its prospects of producing a future president,” Wetang’ula stated.

Wetang’ula said backing President Ruto for a second term would place Western Kenya closer to the centre of national leadership and improve the region’s prospects of producing Kenya’s next president in the future.

He urged residents to view the 2027 election not only as a contest for the presidency but also as an opportunity to strengthen the region’s long-term political standing.

The Speaker has consistently advocated for unity within the Mulembe Nation, arguing that a consolidated voting bloc would carry greater weight in national power-sharing negotiations.

Calls for National ID registration

As part of the mobilisation campaign, Wetang’ula encouraged young people and other eligible residents who have not yet acquired national identity cards to do so without delay.

He stressed that obtaining an ID card and registering as a voter are critical first steps in ensuring that Western Kenya maximises its electoral influence.

The remarks come as political parties across the country begin laying the groundwork for voter registration drives ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The government has since announced an expanded list of Huduma Centres where Kenyans can apply for new national identity cards.

In a public notice released on Friday, June 26, 2026, Huduma Kenya encouraged eligible Kenyans in need of a new national ID to visit designated Huduma Centres offering registration services.

The announcement is expected to benefit thousands of first-time applicants who have previously had to rely on National Registration Bureau offices or sub-county registration centres to begin the application process.

Wetang’ula cites development projects in Vihiga

In defending his call for President Ruto’s re-election, Wetang’ula pointed to several development projects that he said have been initiated under the Kenya Kwanza administration in Vihiga County.

Among the projects he highlighted were the construction of Kidundu Stadium, modern markets in Mbale and Luanda towns, affordable housing developments and improvements to road infrastructure.

He also cited the appointment of leaders from the region to senior positions in government as evidence that the administration has recognised Western Kenya’s contribution to national development.

According to the Speaker, these investments justify supporting President Ruto for a second term.