National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has advised the Luhya community to exercise patience and support his presidential ambitions, citing 2032 as the optimal time for the region to produce Kenya's next president. He made these remarks during a funeral ceremony in Bungoma County, cautioning young people against being swayed by the growing popularity of emerging politicians from Western Kenya. Wetang'ula emphasized that Kenya's political history favors experienced leaders who have risen through the ranks.
Wetang'ula used proverbs and metaphors in his native dialect to compare the presidential succession race to patients waiting to be attended to at a hospital. He stated that his turn was approaching, saying, "Don't get excited... When you go to the doctor, he treats one patient then says, 'Next'. I'm at the juncture where when they say 'Next', I will be in." He maintained that he was traversing the country to build grassroots support across the political divide, insisting that his ambition to succeed President William Ruto was firmly on course.
The Speaker warned the Luhya community that supporting his presidential ambitions offered the most realistic route to State House. He cautioned that pursuing other political options could push the region further back in the succession queue. Wetang'ula invoked the political careers of prominent leaders from the region, including the late Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa, arguing that he was now the most senior Luhya politician positioned to pursue the country's top office.
Wetang'ula appealed to the community not to abandon him in favor of emerging political figures. He questioned whether he was not still one of their own, asking, "I heard someone say shenyu ni shenyu (yours is yours), am I not yours?" He also emphasized that he was the people who birthed him and raised him. This appeal comes amid growing political activity in Western Kenya, where a group of relatively young leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement has been attracting large crowds at rallies.
The Linda Mwananchi Movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has become a focal point of discussions about the opposition's presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. Other leaders associated with the movement include Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Saboti MP Caleb Namisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka. Their growing popularity has renewed debate over the region's place in the national political succession.
Wetang'ula's remarks have sparked discussions about the region's role in shaping the country's leadership. Sifuna is among those being mentioned in discussions about the opposition's presidential ticket, while Wetang'ula is making a case for a longer political timeline. The Speaker's call for patience has been met with mixed reactions, with some leaders expressing support for his ambitions and others backing emerging politicians.
The debate over the Luhya community's role in the 2027 General Election is expected to continue in the coming months. Wetang'ula's appeal to the community to support his presidential ambitions is seen as a strategic move to consolidate his position. The outcome of this debate will likely have significant implications for the region's political landscape and the country's leadership.
Key points
- Wetang'ula urges Luhya community to wait until 2032 for presidential turn.
