National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on young people in Western Kenya to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, even as he signalled his intention to seek the presidency in 2032.

Speaking on Sunday at his Namuyemba residence in Bungoma county, Wetang’ula said the region must position itself strategically in national politics by backing President Ruto for a second term before seeking the country’s top seat in the next electoral cycle.

The Ford Kenya party leader told thousands of youth who had gathered at his home that he had served long enough in elective politics and was now preparing for a higher political role.

“I have walked a long political journey. I cannot now come back to seek a Senate seat, a parliamentary seat, or a governorship. I am moving forward,” Wetang’ula said.

He urged Western Kenya leaders and residents to build alliances beyond the region, saying national political success requires broad-based support from other communities.

“We must build friendships with other communities from the Coast, Luo Nyanza, the Rift Valley, and Mount Kenya. I want you to be my goodwill ambassadors as I prepare myself for the top job,” he said.

Wetang’ula said his immediate political priority remains supporting President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, describing the Kenya Kwanza partnership as critical to both national development and Western Kenya’s future political prospects.

“We are pushing President Ruto’s agenda; we are partners. Now we must work for his re-election in 2027, and then in 2032 it will be our turn. The best way to get there is by using the president’s goodwill,” he said.

The speaker also urged young people who have attained voting age to acquire national identity cards and register as voters, describing the ID card as a key political tool.

“It is important to get your political weapon. The identity card is what allows you to get your vote. I want to urge you, young people, you are my last line of defence. I work hard because of you. I move fast and tirelessly like dik-dik because of you,” he said.

Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, who is also the Senate Majority Whip, said Western Kenya leaders had taken a clear political direction and warned against attacks targeting Wetang’ula.

“Papa wa Roma has given direction. Some politicians are fond of coming to Bungoma to insult others. They use our young people, and when they are arrested and taken to court or jail, we are the ones who bail them out. From today, if anyone attacks or insults Weta, we will respond,” Wakoli said.

Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera said a section of Western Kenya MPs had resolved to rally behind Wetang’ula as the region’s preferred political figure ahead of the 2032 presidential race.

“I have just come from Kakamega County, where I presented evidence that Members of Parliament from Western Kenya have agreed that Speaker Wetang’ula is the one we are moving forward with towards the 2032 General Election,” Nabwera said.

He added that the region must first support president Ruto in 2027 as part of a broader political strategy.

“But before that, there are shoulders we must step on to rise higher, those shoulders are president William Ruto. We must be like Central Kenya and stand behind one person,” he said.

Other leaders present included Bungoma County MP Catherine Wambilianga, Kanduyi MP John Makali, Tongaren MP John Chikati, former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga and Bungoma Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatiany.

The leaders also used the meeting to urge youth in Bungoma and the wider Western region to register as voters, noting that many eligible young people still lack identity cards.

Makali said young people should take advantage of the government’s waiver on fees for first-time ID registration and replacement.

“I want to urge you to take advantage of the government’s waiver on fees for first-time ID registration and replacement so that you can take part in decision-making in 2027 and beyond,” he said.

Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga said lack of identity cards remains one of the biggest barriers to voter registration in the region.

“Our people in Bungoma and Western Kenya, our first challenge is those who have not taken identity cards. Register and get your ID so that you can enroll as voters,” he said.

Wetang’ula also defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record, citing education expansion, improved access to government services and increased representation of Western Kenya in senior government positions.

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