NAIROBI, Kenya — Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has ignited fresh succession politics after calling for a political realignment aimed at producing Kenya’s next president from outside the traditional Kikuyu and Kalenjin power blocs in 2032.
Speaking during a public engagement, Mbadi urged leaders from Nyanza and Western Kenya to begin early consultations and build a united political front ahead of the post-2027 transition period.
“Nyanza and Western, tutakaa chini tujipange after 2027 as we progress to 2032,” Mbadi said.
The Treasury CS argued that leadership in Kenya has remained concentrated within a few communities since independence, adding that other regions should now be given an opportunity to lead the country.
“It cannot be that 65 years after independence there are only two communities which have produced presidents of this country,” he said.
Mbadi noted that Kenya’s presidency has historically rotated between leaders from the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities, a trend he said should change after President William Ruto completes his expected final term.
“Kikuyus and Kalenjins have produced presidents of this country. We must tell them 2032, we don’t want to see a Kikuyu or a Kalenjin,” Mbadi stated.
“We are 42 communities in this country, and each one of us has the capacity, competence and ability to lead this country,” he added.
His remarks are expected to trigger political debate across the country, particularly within the Mount Kenya region, which is already viewed as positioning itself for the next succession contest after Ruto’s tenure.
Mbadi also revealed that several leaders from Western Kenya are already nurturing presidential ambitions.
“I know Speaker Wetang’ula has ambitions, I know Musalia Mudavadi has ambitions, I also have ambitions, Wanga has ambitions, and others also have ambitions,” he said.
The CS insisted that early planning and unity among leaders from Nyanza and Western Kenya would be critical if the regions hope to mount a serious presidential challenge in future elections.
“We must sit down and plan properly. If we are serious, then we must start now, not later,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when political alignments are already beginning to emerge quietly ahead of the 2027 General Election, despite the polls being more than a year away.
They also land amid ongoing negotiations within Kenya Kwanza and the opposition over possible coalition arrangements ahead of the next election cycle.
