National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has publicly acknowledged a social media appointment by Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who designated him as his representative in Kenya tasked with supporting President William Ruto's re-election bid. The exchange unfolded on Saturday, October 3, after Muhoozi, the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, posted that he was appointing Wetang'ula as his "Mutume" in Kenya.
Muhoozi stated he had enough "Batume" in Uganda to spare one for Kenya, adding that he wanted Ruto to secure 60% of the vote in the 2027 elections. Wetang'ula, a close ally of Ruto and one of the principals of the Kenya Kwanza government, has consistently backed the administration. His willingness to play along with Muhoozi's framing and to openly embrace the "second term" campaign language signals that the pro-Ruto mobilisation is already well under way among his allies.
Rather than dismissing the appointment, Wetang'ula engaged with it on his own terms, responding with a mix of humour and political signalling. He quipped that Muhoozi had skipped the customary salary negotiations before handing out the role, before turning his attention to the task at hand. "Banange, General @mkainerugaba! Appointment before salary negotiations? Huku tutam brigade is steady. Since you've started the 'second term' chorus, Kale Ssebo, come for rehearsal. The choir master cannot work from home!" Wetang'ula wrote.
Muhoozi responded directly, confirming his intent and reiterating his support for Ruto. "Nakuja mheshimiwa. Tunataka term ya pili. Wakenya wasichanganyikiwe wakati huu. Ninataka 60% kwa Rais Ruto. Kazi kwako," he wrote. The back-and-forth attracted attention from both Kenyans and Ugandans, arriving at a moment of heightened political activity ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election.
A growing number of opposition figures and political actors have been publicly rallying support with the stated goal of removing Ruto from power through the ballot, making any declaration of support for the president particularly notable. Wetang'ula's response drew attention amid rising political temperatures in Kenya, where various leaders have been mobilising to unseat Ruto at the ballot.
In other news, retired president Uhuru Kenyatta has returned to the political arena and appealed to Mt. Kenya voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. Uhuru reminded Kirinyaga residents that they rejected his advice in 2022 and urged them not to repeat the decision by re-electing Ruto. He also backed the opposition's campaign to make Ruto a one-term president amid intensifying campaigns.
The exchange between Muhoozi and Wetang'ula has sparked interest in the country's politics, with many watching to see how the 2027 elections will unfold. With various leaders mobilising support, the elections are expected to be highly competitive.
Key points
- Muhoozi Kainerugaba appoints Moses Wetang'ula as his representative in Kenya to support President William Ruto's re-election bid.
- Wetang'ula responds to Muhoozi's appointment with humour and political signalling, embracing the "second term" campaign language.
- The exchange draws attention amid rising political temperatures in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.
