National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on leaders and residents of the Western region to remain patient with President William Ruto and back his re-election in 2027, stating that such unity will pave the way for the Luhya community to clinch the presidency in 2032.

Speaking on Friday during a women’s empowerment program in Luanda Constituency, where several MPs openly endorsed his presidential ambitions, Wetang’ula said the community is closer than ever to State House and urged rivals to set aside past political differences.

“This is our moment. I want all of us to unite politically because I cannot go to North Eastern, Coast, Baringo, Samburu, or Migori to seek alliances when we are divided at home,” Wetang’ula said.

Reaching out to former political foes, including ex-Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi, and ex-Tongaren MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu, the Speaker emphasized political reconciliation and leaving no one behind if the State House bid is to succeed.

“My brother Wafula Wamunyinyi and your friends, let’s forget the past and join hands. All indications are that things will be well with us in 2032,” he said.

Wetang’ula told the gathering that despite differences during the 2022 General Election, the opportunity for the Luhya nation to unite had never been greater.

“We are so close to the presidency like never before. In 2022, together with my brother Musalia Mudavadi, we toured this region, and you saw how the vote went. Politics is not enmity; it has no boundaries. We are now part of a broad-based government,” he said.

He added, “This is our best opportunity to ascend to the presidency if we unite. When William Ruto completes his second term, we will be right there, firmly in line. In politics, you must support others if you want to be supported in the future.”

Leader of the Majority Party Kimani Ichung’wah threw his weight behind Wetang’ula, urging the Western region to rally behind “one of their own” for the presidency after Ruto.

Citing Rift Valley and Mt. Kenya’s political history, he noted that past leaders succeeded because their regions rallied behind them.

“Mzee Kenyatta did 15 years, Moi 24, Kibaki 10, Uhuru Kenyatta 10. The Luhya nation has not tasted the presidency. Let’s support Dr. Ruto for a second term, and then back Speaker Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This is your best chance,” Ichung’wah said.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela echoed the call, saying political success for the community would only come through unity.

“We are supporting Dr. Ruto for a second term so that Speaker Wetang’ula can succeed him. Let’s give him a strong base here in Bungoma County,” he said.

Kanduyi MP John Makali added, “As other communities strategize, we too must plan to have one of our own at the top. That is why we are rallying behind Wetang’ula to succeed President Ruto.”