KAKAMEGA, Kenya- Members of Parliament allied to the broad-based government have intensified calls for National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to be appointed President William Ruto’s running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment drive in Shianda Town, Kakamega County, Governor Fernandes Barasa led a group of leaders in urging President Ruto to consider the Western region when selecting his deputy for the next election.
“After what happened during the Ol Kalou by-election, we urge President Ruto to shift his attention to the Western region where he is assured of getting votes,” Barasa said.
He added: “As the Western region, we have resolved that Wetang’ula is our preferred candidate for the running mate position and we urge the President to consider our proposal.”
The leaders argued that appointing Wetang’ula as deputy president would galvanise support for President Ruto across the Mulembe nation and strengthen his re-election prospects.
Among the MPs backing the proposal are Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Geoffrey Mulanya (Nambale), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), John Nabwire (Taveta), Dick Maungu (Luanda), Mary Emaase (Teso South) and Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North).
Nyakundi said Wetang’ula would be well-positioned to succeed President Ruto after the completion of his second term and urged the Luhya community to be strategic in succession politics.
“After President Ruto’s second term, Wetang’ula will be ripe to succeed him. I urge the Luhya community to be strategic in succession politics or risk missing out,” he said.
He added that Wetang’ula is central to President Ruto’s re-election bid and deserves recognition in the political succession leading to the 2032 elections.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe praised Wetang’ula’s role in rallying leaders behind President Ruto’s second-term campaign.
“The Speaker has tirelessly campaigned for President Ruto’s re-election. The President should appreciate him by appointing him as his running mate,” Mugabe said.
John Nabwire said Wetang’ula’s extensive experience in public service makes him well qualified for the deputy president’s position and strengthens his prospects of eventually seeking the presidency.
“Wetang’ula has held key positions in previous governments giving him the experience required to serve as deputy president and later seek the presidency,” Nabwire said.
Mulanya and Emaase also argued that the Luhya community’s numerical strength justifies its claim to the country’s top leadership.
Responding to the calls, Wetang’ula said he was prepared for the political journey towards the 2032 General Election.
“After successfully completing President Ruto’s journey, I am ready to take over from him, and I hope the community will rally behind me,” he said.
The Speaker, however, cautioned first-term MPs against declaring presidential ambitions too early, describing such moves as politically risky.
“I have seen some first-term MPs declaring that they are running for the presidency. That is a serious political blunder,” he said.
While acknowledging that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to vie for the presidency, Wetang’ula warned that inexperienced politicians risk derailing their political careers by making premature bids.
The leaders also urged residents to register as voters, claiming that about 1.5 million Kenyans with national identity cards have yet to register as voters.