Kenya: Wetang'ula Urges Luhya Unity Behind Ruto's Second-Term Bid

NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Luhya community to close ranks and rally behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, warning that continued political fragmentation could leave the region sidelined despite its large population and voting strength.

Speaking during the funeral service of his aunt, Rita Nafula Mutaki, 88, in Mukhweya, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said political pragmatism should guide the community’s decisions ahead of the next general election.

He argued that supporting President Ruto would secure Western Kenya a stronger stake in government and accelerate development projects across the region.

“It is no secret that leaders who once opposed President Ruto have since acknowledged his strong prospects for re-election and are now guiding their communities towards government to secure inclusion and post-election benefits,” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker cautioned that other regions, including Nyanza and Central Kenya, were already repositioning themselves politically, warning that the Luhya community risked being left behind if it failed to act decisively.

“If we are not careful, others will take up the space meant for us,” he warned.

Wetang’ula said backing President Ruto would help fast-track stalled development projects and strengthen the community’s long-standing leadership aspirations at the national level. He noted that several key infrastructure projects in Western Kenya, including major road works, had been revived under the current administration, with new initiatives also underway.

“Sustained political support guarantees continuity in development,” he said.

The Speaker also urged residents, especially young people, to take advantage of the relaxed requirements for acquiring national identity cards and to register as voters in large numbers. He expressed concern over low voter registration in Bungoma County, noting that despite its large population, the county has about 680,000 registered voters compared to Kiambu County’s 1.4 million.

Several leaders present echoed Wetang’ula’s remarks and openly endorsed a united political front behind President Ruto.

“As chairman of the Western MPs Caucus, our agenda is clear–to unite the community behind President Ruto’s second-term bid,” said Sirisia MP and Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli.

He added that Wetang’ula, as the region’s most senior political figure, should be prepared to assume higher national leadership after President Ruto’s tenure.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela urged Wetang’ula to renegotiate the Luhya community’s stake in government, arguing that its numerical strength entitled it to greater influence and resources.

“As we rally our people behind President Ruto, we expect our package in government to be reviewed upwards,” Pepela said.

The gathering also doubled as an early battleground for the Bungoma gubernatorial race, with MPs Tim Wanyonyi and Didmus Barasa emerging as key contenders. Several MPs publicly backed Wanyonyi, arguing that Bungoma County required strong managerial leadership to unlock its development potential.

“Bungoma has lagged behind due to poor leadership and now needs a manager who can jump-start development,” Wakoli said, a view echoed by Pepela.

Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox