BUNGOMA, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged residents of Bungoma County to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise and acquire national identity cards, warning that low voter registration could weaken the region’s influence in national politics.
Speaking during an engagement with residents of West Nalondo Ward in Kabuchai Constituency, Wetang’ula said Bungoma had about 750,000 registered voters, against a potential target of 1.3 million, despite an estimated 430,000 residents already holding national identity cards but not being registered as voters.
He called on eligible residents to complete the registration process, arguing that Bungoma’s population strength should be reflected in its voting numbers and political influence.
“Although about 430,000 residents already possess national ID cards, they have yet to register as voters,” Wetang’ula said, urging residents to acquire the necessary documents and participate in the electoral process.
The Speaker said regions that have achieved high voter registration numbers had demonstrated the political influence that could be gained through organised participation in elections.
He encouraged Bungoma residents to treat voter registration as a strategic responsibility, saying a larger registered electorate would give the county greater leverage in national political negotiations.
Wetang’ula also urged residents to use their votes to support President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election, linking increased voter registration in Bungoma to the region’s broader political ambitions.
He said the county needed to ensure that its population was adequately represented at the ballot box so that residents could play a stronger role in determining the country’s political leadership and development priorities.
Wetang’ula addresses Ford-Kenya concerns
The Speaker also responded to concerns from supporters of Ford-Kenya over the future of the political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wetang’ula assured supporters that measures were being taken to revitalise the party and strengthen its structures ahead of the next General Election.
He said Ford-Kenya continued to attract interest from politicians seeking elective positions as well as some serving Members of Parliament.
“Comprehensive measures are underway to revitalise the outfit,” Wetang’ula said, adding that the party remained an important political vehicle in the region.
His remarks come as political parties across Kenya intensify grassroots mobilisation, recruitment and restructuring ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ford-Kenya, which has historically maintained a strong presence in Western Kenya, faces the challenge of consolidating its support base while navigating shifting political alliances and growing competition for influence in the region.
Voter registration takes centre stage
Wetang’ula’s appeal comes as political actors increasingly focus on voter registration as preparations for the 2027 General Election gather pace.
National identification cards are a key requirement for voter registration, making the ongoing issuance of IDs particularly important in areas where large numbers of eligible citizens remain unregistered.
Wetang’ula urged residents not to wait until the election period to secure the documents needed to participate, calling for sustained mobilisation to ensure eligible citizens are registered.
The Speaker maintained that Bungoma’s population should translate into stronger political representation and influence, while urging residents to participate actively in the democratic process.
With political parties already positioning themselves for 2027, the push for higher voter registration is expected to become an increasingly important component of campaigns across Western Kenya.
