Africa-Press – Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to unite behind President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, saying their support will be key in securing the presidency for the region in 2032.
Speaking during a residents’ forum in Lurambi Constituency, Kakamega County, Wetang’ula said the community’s collective voice could shape the country’s political succession.
“The 2027 General Election will be a defining moment for our community. Our unity and voting pattern will determine our political destiny in 2032. We must demonstrate political influence commensurate with our numbers and strength,” he said.
The Speaker was accompanied by Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and seven Members of Parliament, including Lurambi MP Titus Khamala.
The leaders argued that a show of loyalty to Ruto would encourage him to reciprocate by supporting a Luhya candidate when he exits in 2032.
Wetang’ula invoked the legacy of the late Vice President Kijana Wamalwa and veteran politician Masinde Muliro, saying their unity efforts remain a guiding vision.
He added that his renewed partnership with Oparanya, once his political rival, was aimed at consolidating support for development in the Western region and for Ruto’s second term.
“In 2013, Oparanya and I were elected on the same coalition before we politically parted ways. The broad-based government has brought us together once again, and our common agenda is to secure development for our people and position the community for future leadership,” Wetang’ula said.
The leaders praised Ruto’s development record, citing frequent visits to the Western region and the revival of stalled projects.
Wetang’ula highlighted the Sh500 million allocation for the completion of Kakamega Level Six Hospital as one of the tangible benefits for the community.
At the same time, Wetang’ula cautioned young politicians against disrespecting senior leaders, warning that infighting weakens the community’s bargaining power.
He singled out former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, accusing him of making “disrespectful remarks” against Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and himself.
Meanwhile, Oparanya dismissed corruption allegations against him as politically motivated.
The accompanying MPs pledged to stand with Oparanya, praising his track record as governor.
Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda also lauded him for “placing Kakamega on the national map through development”.
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