BUNGOMA, Kenya — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta, warning that he risks damaging his legacy if he continues attacking the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking at his Bungoma home while hosting a delegation of more than 1,000 people from Webuye East Constituency, Wetang’ula said retired presidents should rise above partisan politics and promote national unity.
The delegation included elders, opinion leaders, women, youth, and other community stakeholders.
Wetang’ula accused Uhuru of aligning himself with leaders opposed to President William Ruto and distracting the government from delivering on its agenda.
“When a country goes astray, we expect senior leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, to help restore order. But how can you do that when you appear biased, always complaining, and calling people names?” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker urged Uhuru to emulate former presidents who, he said, allowed succeeding administrations to govern without interference.
“We respect you as a retired president, but respect goes both ways. Former Presidents Kibaki and Moi allowed you to serve peacefully. In the same spirit, allow the current president to serve,” he added.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela backed Wetang’ula’s remarks and called on Uhuru to support the current administration.
“President Ruto supported you for many years. Out of respect for the nation and the respect he gave you, allow him to serve Kenyans,” Pepela said.
Wetang’ula also rallied Bungoma residents behind Ruto’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027, saying continued political support would guarantee the completion of ongoing development projects.
“The work will continue if we support the President’s second-term bid. We are working together with UDA in Kenya Kwanza, and ODM under the broad-based government arrangement. Our message is two terms,” he said.
The Speaker further declared his intention to seek the presidency in 2032 after Ruto’s expected second term.
“My people, let us work together to ensure Ruto gets a second term in 2027, then in 2032 we will rise to the occasion,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing political competition in Bungoma County ahead of the 2027 General Election, with local leaders positioning themselves for influence within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the broader national political landscape.
Despite the divisions, Pepela urged residents to maintain political alliances beyond the region to strengthen Bungoma’s bargaining power nationally.
“If you want to go far, walk with others. For us to succeed as a constituency, we must work with others,” he said.
Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga also appealed for unity among leaders and residents.
“We want leaders who unite people. People who reason together walk the journey together,” he said.
Residents attending the meeting praised Wetang’ula for supporting reforms in the sugar sector, which they said had revived struggling sugar factories. However, they raised concerns over irregular cane harvesting practices by millers and private investors, saying farmers were incurring losses.
Wetang’ula acknowledged the complaints and said consultations were ongoing with MPs and investors to streamline harvesting operations.
“We do not want selective harvesting. Farmers must benefit fairly. This irregular system of permits and harvesting must end,” he said.
He defended the government’s reforms in the sugar sector, including changes affecting Nzoia Sugar Company, arguing the interventions had improved efficiency and farmer payments.
“I was accused of selling Nzoia Sugar, yet it is now operational and farmers are being paid within seven days. Let us ignore the noisemakers,” he said.
Wetang’ula also assured residents that Bungoma voters would freely choose their leaders without political imposition.
