National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to rally behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, warning that political disunity could relegate the region to the margins of government despite its numerical strength.
Mr Wetang’ula said continued support for President Ruto would secure the community a stronger stake in national leadership and accelerate development across Western Kenya.
He noted that political pragmatism was already shaping realignments within the country, with leaders who previously opposed the President now gravitating towards the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“It is no secret that leaders who once opposed President Ruto have acknowledged his strong prospects for re-election and are now guiding their communities towards government to secure inclusion and post-election benefits,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker cautioned that regions such as Nyanza and Central Kenya were actively repositioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle, warning that the Luhya community risked losing influence if it failed to act decisively.
“If we are not careful, others will take up the space meant for us,” he said.
Mr Wetang’ula was speaking during the funeral service of his aunt, Rita Nafula Mutaki, 88, held at Mukhweya in Bungoma County.
He reiterated that backing President Ruto would help fast-track stalled development projects and advance the community’s long-standing leadership ambitions.
According to the Speaker, several key infrastructure projects in Western Kenya — including major road works — have been revived under the current administration, with additional initiatives already underway.
He said sustained political support for the President would ensure continuity and deeper investment in the region’s development agenda.
Mr Wetang’ula also urged residents, particularly the youth, to take advantage of relaxed requirements for acquiring national identity cards and register as voters in large numbers.
He expressed concern over low voter registration in Bungoma County, noting that despite its sizeable population, the county has about 680,000 registered voters compared to Kiambu County’s 1.4 million.
A section of leaders present echoed the Speaker’s remarks and openly endorsed a united political front behind President Ruto.
Those in attendance included Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Waluke, Tim Wanyonyi, Didmus Barasa and 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,” Mr Waluke said.
He added that Mr Wetang’ula, as the region’s most senior politician, should be prepared to assume higher national leadership once President Ruto’s tenure ends.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela urged the Speaker to renegotiate the Luhya community’s stake in government, arguing that its population size 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,” Pepela said.
The event also doubled as an early battleground for the Bungoma gubernatorial race, with MPs Tim Wanyonyi and Didmus Barasa emerging as key contenders.
Several MPs publicly backed Mr Wanyonyi, arguing that Bungoma County requires strong managerial leadership to unlock its development potential.
“Bungoma has lagged behind due to poor leadership and now needs a manager who can jump-start development,” Mr Waluke said, a view echoed by Mr Pepela.
Mr Barasa dismissed the endorsements, insisting that the choice of the next governor rests solely with voters.
“Only the people of Bungoma have the power to decide who their next governor will be, and I have their support,” he said.
Senator Wakoli said upcoming Ford Kenya grassroots elections would be used to revitalise the party by removing elements he accused of weakening its appeal.
The Bungoma Senator also criticised the county government over alleged nepotism and the failure to employ instructors in vocational training institutions.
Leaders seeking elective office were urged to avoid divisive politics, particularly as the region heads into a politically sensitive period.
Mr Wetang’ula concluded by conveying Christmas and New Year goodwill messages and urged motorists to observe road safety during the festive season.
