By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 7 June 2026 - National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has signaled what could be the beginning of a long-term political succession strategy in Western Kenya, urging the region to unite behind President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027 while positioning itself for a shot at the presidency in 2032.
Addressing thousands of youths at his rural Namuyemba home in Bungoma County on Sunday, the Ford Kenya leader delivered perhaps his clearest indication yet that his political ambitions extend beyond his current role as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The veteran politician told the gathering that after decades in public service, his political journey could only move in one direction — upwards.
"I have travelled a long road in politics. I cannot now go backwards to seek a Senate seat, a parliamentary seat or a governorship. My focus is ahead and forward," Wetang’ula declared to cheers from supporters.
His remarks came as leaders allied to the Speaker openly endorsed him as Western Kenya's preferred presidential candidate for the post-Ruto era, setting the stage for what could become an intense battle for regional political supremacy in the years ahead.
But before 2032, Wetang’ula said, Western Kenya must first ensure President Ruto secures a second and final term in office.
The Speaker described the alliance between Ford Kenya and the Kenya Kwanza administration as a strategic political partnership that should be nurtured and strengthened ahead of the next General Election.
According to Wetang’ula, supporting Ruto's re-election would not only guarantee continuity in development projects but also enhance Western Kenya's bargaining power in national politics.
"We are partners in government and we must remain focused on ensuring President Ruto wins a second term. That is the immediate assignment before us. Beyond that, our time will come," he said.
In what appeared to be a carefully crafted succession message, Wetang’ula urged the region to build bridges with other communities across the country as part of preparations for future leadership contests.
He challenged young people to become ambassadors of unity and goodwill, saying no region can produce a president without forging broad national alliances.
The Speaker singled out the Coast, Luo Nyanza, Rift Valley and Mount Kenya as critical political constituencies whose support would be necessary for any future presidential bid from Western Kenya.
Political observers have long argued that Western Kenya's biggest challenge has been its inability to consolidate behind a single national candidate. Wetang’ula appeared keen to address that concern, repeatedly emphasizing the need for unity and strategic political planning.
His message was amplified by a host of leaders who accompanied him to the event.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli described Wetang’ula as the region's political kingpin and urged residents to rally behind his leadership.
The Senate Majority Whip warned against what he termed persistent attacks and insults directed at Western Kenya leaders, saying the region must learn to protect and promote its own political interests.
"We have been given direction by our leader. We cannot continue allowing outsiders to come here and divide our people through insults and negative politics," Wakoli said.
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Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera went further, claiming that elected leaders from across Western Kenya had already begun informal consultations aimed at uniting behind Wetang’ula's future presidential ambitions.
According to Nabwera, the region must emulate voting blocs such as Central Kenya by rallying behind a single candidate capable of mounting a serious national campaign.
He however stressed that the immediate objective remains delivering votes for President Ruto in 2027.
"Before we think about 2032, we must first support the leadership that is currently in office. President Ruto's success is important for the future political aspirations of this region," Nabwera said.
The meeting also turned into a voter mobilization drive as leaders urged young people to acquire national identity cards and register as voters ahead of future elections.
Wetang’ula described the identity card as a critical tool of democratic participation, saying many young people risk excluding themselves from decision-making processes by failing to obtain the document.
The Speaker challenged the youth to take advantage of the government's waiver on first-time identity card registration fees and replacements.
Other leaders echoed the call, warning that low registration levels among young people could undermine the region's political influence.
Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga said thousands of eligible voters across Bungoma and the wider Western region were yet to obtain identity cards, limiting their ability to participate in elections.
The Speaker also used the forum to highlight development projects being undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that the government's record would form a strong foundation for the 2027 re-election campaign.
He cited major infrastructure initiatives including the expansion of road networks, plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and the ongoing dualling of the busy Mau Summit-Rironi highway.
Wetang’ula said the projects would not only improve regional connectivity but also stimulate trade, create jobs and reduce road carnage along key transport corridors.
As political realignments begin taking shape ahead of the next electoral cycle, Sunday's gathering offered a glimpse into Western Kenya's emerging succession politics — one focused on securing Ruto's second term while quietly positioning the region for a potential bid for State House in 2032.
For Wetang’ula and his allies, the message was unmistakable: 2027 belongs to Ruto, but the conversation about 2032 has already begun.