NAIROBI, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa to abandon the opposition and work with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wetang’ula made the appeal while speaking at the funeral of Edward Musombi Munabi, a Ford Kenya supporter, in Kapretwa Village, Saboti Constituency, Trans Nzoia County.
The Speaker described Wamalwa as his younger brother and said the former Cabinet Secretary should reconsider his association with the opposition.
Wetang’ula tells Wamalwa to join Ruto
Wetang’ula said Wamalwa was in what he described as the “wrong political camp” and warned that some of the leaders he currently works with could eventually turn against him.
“The political formation my younger brother Eugene currently supports and the people he works with will betray him. Unlike some of the leaders you are aligned with, you are sober, respectful and measured in your speeches and utterances. You are in the wrong political camp. Please join us in Kenya Kwanza,” he said.
Wetang’ula also pledged to support Wamalwa personally if he chose to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“As your elder brother, I will always stand with you. I will be your last line of defence,” he said
Wamalwa remains in opposition camp
Wamalwa, who leads DAP-K, is currently associated with opposition leaders seeking to build a joint political platform ahead of the 2027 election.
He has worked alongside Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Attorney-General Justin Muturi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, among other opposition figures.
Wamalwa has also recently accused the broad-based government of frustrating efforts to establish Linda Mwananchi as a political party, saying opposition leaders have alternative political vehicles if registration efforts fail.
His latest political activities therefore place him on a different side of the political divide from Wetang’ula and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Wetang’ula calls for Western Kenya unity
Beyond his appeal to Wamalwa, Wetang’ula called for unity among leaders from Western Kenya despite their different political affiliations.
He said political differences should not prevent leaders from working together on development issues affecting residents.
“Even with our different political affiliations, we serve the same people and all they expect is service delivery not empty rhetoric,” he said.
Wetang’ula also urged county governments to maintain a working relationship with the national government, arguing that cooperation between the two levels of government was necessary for effective service delivery.
“Residents go to the farms, pay taxes and need services. They should not suffer because of political differences among a few leaders,” he said.
The call comes as Kenya Kwanza intensifies political mobilisation in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 election. Recent reporting has highlighted increased efforts by the coalition to strengthen its position in Trans Nzoia, where DAP-K Governor George Natembeya faces a changing political landscape.
Wetang’ula mourns Ford Kenya supporter
Wetang’ula also paid tribute to Munabi, whom he described as a loyal Ford Kenya supporter, trusted associate and long-time political ally.
He said Munabi had played a significant role in grassroots mobilisation for the party and had remained committed to its activities.
“Edward was a dependable member of my staff, a trusted ally, loyal confidant and a long-time friend who walked with me through my political journey,” he said.
Wetang’ula said Munabi’s contribution extended beyond politics to his family and wider community.
The funeral was attended by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat Susan Nakhumicha and Wamalwa, among other leaders.
2027 alliances take shape
Wetang’ula’s appeal comes as political parties and leaders continue reorganising ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kenya Kwanza has been seeking to consolidate its support base, while opposition leaders have been holding consultations and joint activities aimed at building a broader political alliance.
Wamalwa’s continued participation in opposition activities and Wetang’ula’s latest appeal highlight the competing efforts to attract influential Western Kenya politicians as the 2027 political contest takes shape.
