National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said the Luhya community's numerical strength is strategic in President William Ruto's succession in 2032.
During the second anniversary of the Western Women Congress at Busibwabo Secondary School in Busia county, Wetang’ula asked Luhyas to rally behind Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, saying this would improve their chances at leadership.
“The Luhya community stands a better chance of succeeding President Ruto in 2032 and we can realise this by supporting him for a second term in 2027,” Wetang’ula said.
He said Ruto has demonstrated political goodwill to the Western region by appointing former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi as Prime Cabinet Secretary and supporting his election as National Assembly Speaker.
Wetang’ula commended ODM leader Raila Odinga for shelving his political ambitions to collaborate with the government, adding that other presidential hopefuls should follow his example in prioritising national stability over personal ambition.
He also asked opposition leaders to give the President time to discharge his mandate, noting that their ill-hatched scheme to derail him through fanning chaos and incitement was not good for the country.
"The President's critics are judging him harshly...for the period he has been in the driving seat he has done exemplary well and he needs time to deliver on his promises," Wetang'ula said.
He added that under Ruto’s leadership, Kenya is almost food-secure, through the introduction of a subsidy programme for farm inputs.
"Three years ago the maize farmers harvested 48 million bags, last year 65 million and this season following the introduction of a subsidy programme we anticipate to hit 85 million bags."
Wetang’ula urged leaders of the congress to transform the group from a purely social platform into a robust economic empowerment organisation.
He challenged them to craft an economic blueprint that would directly benefit members and enhance their financial independence.
“The next meeting should be about unveiling an economic blueprint to benefit members,” Wetang’ula advised, pledging his support for the group’s empowerment journey.
The event was hosted by Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo and the congress president Connie Lusweti.
Other leaders, including MPs Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) and Elsie Muhanda (Kakamega), also reiterated the call to back Ruto's bid for a second term, noting that he has been key to uplifting the lives of women across the country.
"I urge women from the region to unite and support President Ruto. Your support will count," Elachi said.
She asked leaders from Western region to respect Wetang'ula, Mudavadi and CS Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs).
"Stop abusing our senior leaders in public meetings and support them instead," she added.
"Women from Western should not be left behind when their colleagues from other parts of the country have decided that President Ruto is their choice," Muhanda said.
