Wetang’ula Urges Luhya Community to Wait Until 2032 for Its Turn to Produce President

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on the Luhya community to be patient and back his political ambitions, arguing that 2032 offers the region its best opportunity to produce Kenya’s next president.

Speaking during a funeral ceremony in Bungoma County on Saturday, Wetang’ula cautioned residents, particularly young people, against being swept up by the growing popularity of emerging politicians from Western Kenya.

The Speaker argued that Kenya’s political history favours experienced leaders who have risen through the ranks, rather than newcomers seeking to capitalise on their recent popularity.

Using proverbs and metaphors in his native dialect, Wetang’ula compared the presidential succession race to patients waiting to be attended to at a hospital, saying his turn was approaching.

“Don’t get excited,” he cautioned.

“When you go to the doctor, he treats one patient then says, ‘Next’. I’m at the juncture where when they say ‘Next’, I will be in,” he said.

Wetang’ula maintained that he was traversing the country to build grassroots support across the political divide, insisting that his ambition to succeed President William Ruto was firmly on course.

“And I’m not alone in this, I’m with you. You are the reason I’m where I’m today and I will get where I’m going because of you,” he said.

Wetang’ula Warns Against Supporting Alternative Routes

The Speaker told the Luhya community that supporting his presidential ambitions offered the most realistic route to State House, warning that pursuing other political options could push the region further back in the succession queue.

“And you are here saying you want to go at the back of the queue and start walking slowly. By the time they say ‘Next’, 10 people will have gone before you.”

“I can tell you, my people, for free, the easiest route to get to where we want power,” he said.

He also invoked the political careers of prominent leaders from the region, including the late Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa, arguing that he was now the most senior Luhya politician positioned to pursue the country’s top office.

“There was Masinde Muliro, Kijana Wamalwa and I’m the one who’s there now,” he said.

Wetang’ula further appealed to the community not to abandon him in favour of emerging political figures, questioning whether he was not still one of their own.

“I heard someone say shenyu ni shenyu (yours is yours), am I not yours?” he asked.

“You are the people who birthed me and raised me…”

Linda Mwananchi Leaders Fuel Political Excitement in Western Kenya

Wetang’ula’s remarks come amid growing political activity in Western Kenya, where a group of relatively young leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement has been attracting large crowds at rallies.

The movement, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, has become a focal point of discussions about the opposition’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.

Other leaders associated with the political grouping include Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Saboti MP Caleb Namisi, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Bumula MP Jack Wamboka.

Their growing popularity has renewed debate over the region’s place in the national political succession, with younger politicians seeking a bigger role in shaping the country’s leadership.

Sifuna is among those being mentioned in discussions about the opposition’s presidential ticket, while Wetang’ula is making a case for a longer political timeline, urging the Luhya community to wait until 2032.