National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, saying this would significantly boost the region’s chances of producing Ruto’s successor in 2032.

Speaking on Friday during the second anniversary celebrations of the Western Women Congress at Busibwabo Secondary School in Busia County, Wetang’ula told the Mulembe nation that its numerical strength positions it strategically in the race to succeed President Ruto.

“The Luhya Community stands a better chance of succeeding President Dr William Ruto in 2032,” Wetang’ula said. “I have therefore urged the community to rally behind Dr Ruto’s second term bid in 2027 in order to realise this.”

The Speaker pointed out that President Ruto had demonstrated goodwill towards the region by appointing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, alongside other leaders from Western Kenya, into government positions.

He further cited the President’s support for his own election as Speaker of the National Assembly as evidence of Ruto’s commitment to inclusivity.

Wetang’ula emphasised that continued unity and backing for President Ruto would not only strengthen the region’s political bargaining power but could also inspire the Head of State to eventually hand over the country’s leadership to someone from the Luhya community.

“Our unity and rallying behind the President to secure a second term would motivate him to hand over the mantle of running the nation to one of our own,” he noted.

The Speaker also welcomed the recent decision by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to work with President Ruto’s administration, describing it as a move that has lowered political temperatures and helped stabilise the country.

Wetang’ula commended Opposition 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.

The Speaker also asked Opposition leaders yo give President Ruto time to discharge his mandate noting that their ill hatched scheme to derail him through funning 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,” said Hon Wetang’ula.

He noted that President Ruto is almost making Kenya a food secure nation through introduction of subsidy programme for farm inputs.

“Three tears ago the maize farmers harvested 48 million bags, last year 65 million and this season following yhe introduction of subsidy programme we anticipate to hit 85 million bags,” he added.

Turning to matters of economic empowerment, Wetang’ula urged leaders of the Western Women 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 full support for the Congress’s empowerment journey.

Women MPs led by Hon Beatrice Elachi (Dagoreti North) and Kakamega county MP Hon Elsie Muhanda urged women to back President 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,” said Hon Elachi.

She asked leaders from Western Region to respect Hon Wetang’ula,, Hon Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary Hon Wycliffe Oparanya.

“Stop abusing our senior leaders in public meeting and support them,” she added.

Said Hon Muhanda:”Women from Westwood should not be left behind when their colleagues from other parts of the country have decided that President Ruto is their choice”.

The anniversary event was attended by women leaders from across the Western region and the country.

It was hosted by Busia Woman Representative Hon. Catherine Omanyo and Western Women Congress President Connie Lusweti.