Former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has dismissed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s declaration that he intends to vie for the presidency in 2032.

While speaking during a presser on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Wangamati argued that the announcement was nothing more than a political tactic to mislead Bungoma residents and keep himself relevant until then. He maintained that Wetang’ula, deep down, has no real intention of contesting for the presidency.

“Nimeona mheshimiwa wa National Assembly akitembea hii county akisema ya kwamba atawania urais 2032, na leo nimesema wacha nimongeleshe na nimwambie kuwa yeye kwa roho yake hatafanya hivyo, hatawania urais; mambo yake ni kudanganya wana Bungoma, ndio akae kwa uongozi hadi 2032,” Wangamati stated.

The former governor pointed to past elections where Wetang’ula had opportunities to run for the top seat but chose not to.

In 2013, many expected him to declare a presidential bid, yet he opted to support the CORD coalition under Raila Odinga and settled for the Bungoma senatorial seat instead. The same pattern repeated in 2017, despite his standing as a coalition principal.

According to Wangamati, Wetang’ula’s history demonstrates a lack of confidence in pursuing the presidency. He noted that while Wetang’ula often positions himself as a key player in coalition politics, he consistently retreats to vie for senator whenever there is a real chance of the coalition winning.

“Speaker amekuwa na nafasi mara mingi sana ya kusimama urais katika Kenya hii. 2013 watu walikuwa wanaexpect anate urais, hakusimama akaingia kwa cord na kusuport raila na akashtua watu vile alisimama u senator; 2017 vivyo hivyo.”

Wangamati urged Bungoma residents to treat the 2032 presidential pronouncement as mere political rhetoric and not to be swayed by what he described as empty promises.

“Wetangula tumempa nafsi hii story ambayo amekuwa akitupa sisi, kwamba 2032 atasimama uraisi ni porojo kubwa Zaid ambayo watu wa Bungoma hawafai kusikiza.”

Wetang’ula’s presidential bid

This comes after Moses Wetangula announced that he is ready to take over from President William Ruto in 2032 and that the only way the Luhya community can seize power is by ensuring Ruto secures a second term.

“When you want to be a leader, you must allow other people to use your shoulders to climb to power so that when your time arrives, they will also give you their shoulder to climb.”

“Personally, I am doing so, for the Luhya community’s dream of wanting to rule the country will be determined by the 2027 elections. We will support William Ruto, and after his term in 2032, I will be ready to take over from him; the field will be open,” Wetangula stated