BUKEMBE, Kenya — Allies of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have renewed calls for President William Ruto to pick his 2027 running mate from Western Kenya, arguing that the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election demonstrates that political support in the Mt Kenya region can no longer be taken for granted.
The leaders made the appeal on Friday during a boda boda empowerment programme at Friends Primary School in Lwanda, Kanduyi Constituency, where they said the July 16 by-election should prompt the President to consolidate support in Western Kenya ahead of the next General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election after he secured 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who garnered 5,450 votes.
Speaking at the event, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka described the by-election outcome as a political wake-up call for Kenya Kwanza, saying Western Kenya had remained a dependable partner of President Ruto’s administration.
“The Ol Kalou by-election has shown us where we stand politically. We want to assure the President that Western Kenya is ready to support his re-election bid,” Lusaka said.
He argued that allocating the deputy president’s position to Western Kenya would strengthen the region’s commitment to the Kenya Kwanza coalition while complementing ongoing government development programmes.
“The President should consider giving Western Kenya the deputy president’s slot. Together with the many development projects already underway, that will further consolidate support for his re-election,” he added.
Sirisia MP John Waluke, who chairs the Western Region Parliamentary Caucus, said leaders from the region had resolved to support President Ruto’s second-term bid but expected Western Kenya to be considered for the running mate position.
“We are asking the President to consider Western Kenya for the deputy president’s position and we believe Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is best suited for that role,” Waluke said.
According to Waluke, such a decision would strengthen Kenya Kwanza’s political support across Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela dismissed opposition celebrations over the Ol Kalou outcome, saying the by-election should not be interpreted as a predictor of the 2027 General Election.
“If they are celebrating this victory, they should also be prepared to accept the outcome when President Ruto wins re-election in 2027,” Pepela said.
Other leaders present included Bungoma Senator David Wakoli Wafula, Kitutu Chache MP Japhet Nyakundi, Taita Taveta MP Victor Bwire, Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera and Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe.
Senator Wakoli also backed calls for President Ruto to reward Western Kenya with the running mate position, saying Speaker Wetang’ula would be the region’s preferred choice should the President settle on a candidate from the region.
Despite the lobbying by his allies, Speaker Wetang’ula did not address the succession debate directly. Instead, he urged his supporters to remain united and politically focused ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I am tried, tested and trusted politically. I am focused, I know where I am going and, with your support, I will get there,” the Speaker said.
He thanked residents for their continued support throughout his political career and urged them to remain organised and consistent.
“You are the people who have walked with me throughout my political journey. I urge you not to wait until the 2027 General Election to organise yourselves. During the last election, we stood at Posta Grounds in Kanduyi and agreed on the direction we would take. That was the right decision, and we have no reason to regret it. I ask our people to remain consistent and persistent on that path until we achieve our goals,” he said.