Luhyas risk political isolation should they abandon Ruto, warns Wetang’ula

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to unite behind President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, warning that political disunity could consign the region to the margins of government despite its significant population.

Mr Wetang’ula said supporting President Ruto would secure the community a stronger stake in government and accelerate development across Western Kenya.

He observed that political pragmatism was already influencing leaders who previously opposed the President to realign with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“It is no secret that leaders who once opposed President Ruto have since acknowledged his strong prospects for re-election and are now guiding their communities towards government to secure inclusion and post-election benefits,” he said.

The Speaker cautioned that regions such as Nyanza and Central Kenya were already repositioning themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle, warning that the Luhya community risked being left behind 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, 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 aspirations.

According to the Speaker, several key infrastructure projects in the region, including major road works, have been revived under the current administration, with new initiatives also underway.

He said sustained political support for the President would guarantee continuity in development.

Mr Wetang’ula also called on 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 large population, the county has about 680,000 registered voters compared to Kiambu’s 1.4 million.

A section of the leaders present echoed his remarks and openly endorsed a united political base behind President Ruto.

Those in attendance included Senate Chief Whip Wafula Wakoli, MPs John Waluke, Tim Wanyonyi, Didmus Barasa and Martin Pepela, as well as 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 after President Ruto’s tenure.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela urged the Speaker to renegotiate the Luhya community’s stake in government, arguing that its numerical strength 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,” he said.

The event also doubled as an early battleground for the Bungoma gubernatorial race, with Mr Wanyonyi and Mr Barasa emerging as key contenders.

Several MPs publicly backed Mr Wanyonyi, saying the county required 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 the electorate.

“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 the 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 Bungoma County Government over alleged nepotism and the failure to employ instructors for vocational training institutions.

Leaders seeking elective office, particularly those eyeing the governor’s seat, were urged to shun divisive politics.

Mr Wetang’ula used the opportunity to convey Christmas and New Year goodwill messages and appealed to motorists to observe road safety during the festive season.