Africa-Press – Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Luhya community to close ranks and rally behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term.
He warned that continued political disunity could push the region to the periphery of national decision-making despite its sizeable population.
Speaking during the funeral service of his aunt, Rita Nafula Mutaki, 88, at Mukhweya village in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula said the 2027 General Election would be critical in determining whether the Luhya community strengthens its voice in government or remains politically marginalised.
He argued that unity behind the incumbent President would secure the community a stronger stake in the Kenya Kwanza administration and unlock faster development across Western Kenya.
“The Luhya community must be strategic. Politics is about numbers and positioning. If we stand together and support President Ruto, we will secure our place in government and ensure development reaches our people,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker noted that political pragmatism was already shaping realignments across the country, with leaders who had previously opposed Ruto reassessing their positions in light of his growing prospects for re-election.
According to Wetang’ula, these leaders were now guiding their communities towards cooperation with the government to safeguard inclusion and post-election benefits.
“It is no secret that leaders who once opposed President Ruto have since acknowledged his strong prospects for re-election and are now guiding their communities towards government to secure inclusion and post-election benefits,” he said.
Wetang’ula cautioned that regions such as Nyanza and Central Kenya were already repositioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle, warning that the Luhya community risked being left behind if it failed to act decisively.
He urged local leaders to rise above internal divisions and focus on collective interests.
“If we are not careful, others will take up the space meant for us. We cannot afford to watch from the sidelines as other regions reorganise themselves politically,” he warned.
Reiterating his support for Ruto, the Speaker said backing the Head of State would help fast-track stalled development projects and advance the Luhya community’s long-standing leadership aspirations at the national level.
He cited the revival of key infrastructure projects in Western Kenya, including major road works, under the current administration, noting that new initiatives were also underway.
“Sustained political support for the President guarantees continuity in development. Projects that had stalled for years are now moving, and new ones are being rolled out,” Wetang’ula said.
He also appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of relaxed requirements for acquiring national identity cards and register as voters in large numbers.
The Speaker expressed concern over low voter registration in Bungoma County, saying the region was not fully exploiting its demographic strength.
A section of leaders present echoed Wetang’ula’s sentiments and openly endorsed a united political front behind Ruto.
Those in attendance included Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela and Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilyanga.
“As chairman of the Western MPs Caucus, our agenda is clear—to unite the community behind President Ruto’s second-term bid,” Waluke said.
Pepela, on his part, urged Wetang’ula to renegotiate the Luhya community’s stake in government, arguing that its numerical strength entitled it to greater influence and resources.
“As we rally our people behind President Ruto, we expect our package in government to be reviewed upwards,” he said.
