TRANS NZOIA, Kenya — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has publicly signalled his intention to vie for the presidency in 2032, saying Western Kenya should position itself to succeed President William Ruto after the completion of his constitutionally permitted two terms in office.
Speaking during a development tour of Trans Nzoia County on Thursday, Mudavadi said the region should unite behind President Ruto’s re-election in 2027 before pursuing what he described as the “ultimate prize” of producing Kenya’s next Head of State.
The remarks mark one of Mudavadi’s clearest statements yet on his long-term political ambitions ahead of the 2032 General Election.
Mudavadi Eyes Presidency After Ruto
Mudavadi said Western Kenya has produced several vice presidents over the years and should now focus on securing the country’s highest office.
“I was the Vice President in 2002 when I served under the late retired President Daniel arap Moi. Later, my brother Kijana Wamalwa occupied the seat before Moody Awori also served in the same capacity. We now want to prepare ourselves for the ultimate prize, which is the President’s seat,” he said.
He argued that the region’s political aspirations would only be realised if it remained united and supported President Ruto through a second term.
“We need to be united as a region and as a people. This will happen if we support President Ruto for his second term and thereafter we plan well, and I believe we shall get this seat,” Mudavadi added.
Calls for Continuity in Government
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said Kenya needs a smooth leadership transition that preserves the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda.
According to Mudavadi, continuity in government projects would be best achieved if President Ruto secures a second term before leadership transitions to another Kenya Kwanza leader in 2032.
He urged Kenyans to deliver President Ruto a decisive victory in the 2027 General Election.
“We want a petition-free win for Ruto. I urge Kenyans to register in large numbers and support him fully because we must remain consistent and ensure continuity for Kenya to move forward,” he said.
UDA Membership Strengthens National Footprint
Mudavadi defended his decision to dissolve the Amani National Congress (ANC) and merge with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the move was intended to expand his political influence beyond Western Kenya.
He said joining UDA had enabled his political movement to establish a presence across the country, positioning it favourably for future national leadership.
“We joined UDA so that our footprint could become bigger across Western, Rift Valley, Coast, Mt Kenya, Eastern, Nyanza, Nairobi and North Eastern, making us ready to lead Kenya,” he said.
Mudavadi added that after supporting President Ruto’s re-election, leaders within Kenya Kwanza would compete democratically for the coalition’s future leadership.
No Preferred Candidate for Trans Nzoia Governor
During the tour, Mudavadi dismissed claims that he had endorsed any candidate for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial race.
Instead, he said all aspirants would have an equal opportunity to seek the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket through party nominations.
“I am a leader who believes that the strength of democracy lies in competition. I am not here to impose any leader on the people of Trans Nzoia,” he said.
He also criticised politicians whom he accused of spreading propaganda in Western Kenya, warning that Kenya Kwanza leaders would vigorously defend their political support in the region ahead of the next elections.
Community Health Promoters Praised
Earlier, Mudavadi presided over an empowerment programme for more than 2,700 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), where he commended their contribution to the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He said Kenya’s community health model has attracted international recognition, citing discussions held during his engagements abroad as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
“The Kenyan Community Health Promoters have become an example that many want to emulate internationally,” he said.
Mudavadi pledged increased government support through improved equipment, enhanced training and higher budgetary allocations to strengthen primary healthcare services.
Development Projects Inspected
As part of his Western Kenya development tour, Mudavadi also inspected the ongoing construction of the Kiminini Modern Market, saying the project would provide traders with safer and more modern business facilities.
He later commissioned a new classroom complex and administration block at Sikhendu Secondary School, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary is expected to continue his regional tour in Kakamega County on Friday, where he is scheduled to inspect additional development projects and engage local leaders.