Speaking during a political and empowerment event in Trans Nzoia County, Wetang’ula appeared to challenge critics who have increasingly used the “Wantam” slogan to campaign against Ruto’s administration.
Wetang’ula wondered why Ruto was facing pressure to leave after serving only one term, yet previous Kenyan presidents were given an opportunity to complete two terms.
In making his argument, the National Assembly Speaker referred to former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, noting that Kenya has historically allowed its presidents to serve extended periods in office.
Wetang’ula particularly mentioned Uhuru, appearing to argue that despite what he described as shortcomings during his administration, Kenyans still gave him another opportunity by re-electing him in 2017.
His remarks appeared designed to challenge the argument that Ruto should be removed from office through political mobilisation before completing his constitutional first term.
The Speaker's comments also carried a broader political message directed at Western Kenya voters.
Wetang’ula urged residents of the region to consider supporting Ruto in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that doing so could strengthen Western Kenya's bargaining position in the years that follow.
According to the Speaker, Western Kenya should look beyond the immediate political contest and consider how current alliances could influence the region's chances of producing a future president.
He suggested that supporting Ruto for a second term could potentially create room for political negotiations that would benefit the region when the 2032 succession contest begins.
The remarks come at a time when political leaders across Western Kenya are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election.
His remarks appeared designed to challenge the argument that Ruto should be removed from office through political mobilisation before completing his constitutional first term.
The Speaker's comments also carried a broader political message directed at Western Kenya voters.
Wetang’ula urged residents of the region to consider supporting Ruto in the 2027 presidential election, arguing that doing so could strengthen Western Kenya's bargaining position in the years that follow.
According to the Speaker, Western Kenya should look beyond the immediate political contest and consider how current alliances could influence the region's chances of producing a future president.
He suggested that supporting Ruto for a second term could potentially create room for political negotiations that would benefit the region when the 2032 succession contest begins.
The remarks come at a time when political leaders across Western Kenya are increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election.
The region remains politically significant because of its large voting population and history of influencing national presidential contests.
Wetang’ula also called for unity among the Mulembe community, warning against political divisions that could weaken the region's negotiating power.
His message was that Western Kenya should remain focused on its long-term interests rather than allowing politicians from outside the region to determine its political direction.
The Speaker's position, however, comes amid an increasingly competitive political environment.
Ruto's administration continues to face criticism over issues including the cost of living, taxation and government policies, while opposition politicians have intensified their campaigns ahead of 2027.
The “Wantam” slogan has become one of the rallying cries used by Ruto's critics, reflecting calls for a political change in the next election.
Wetang’ula's intervention therefore adds another dimension to the growing debate over whether Western Kenya should remain within the Kenya Kwanza camp or explore alternative political alliances.
With the 2027 election approaching, leaders from the region are likely to face increasing pressure from voters over the alliances they choose.
Wetang’ula also called for unity among the Mulembe community, warning against political divisions that could weaken the region's negotiating power.
His message was that Western Kenya should remain focused on its long-term interests rather than allowing politicians from outside the region to determine its political direction.
The Speaker's position, however, comes amid an increasingly competitive political environment.
Ruto's administration continues to face criticism over issues including the cost of living, taxation and government policies, while opposition politicians have intensified their campaigns ahead of 2027.
The “Wantam” slogan has become one of the rallying cries used by Ruto's critics, reflecting calls for a political change in the next election.
Wetang’ula's intervention therefore adds another dimension to the growing debate over whether Western Kenya should remain within the Kenya Kwanza camp or explore alternative political alliances.
With the 2027 election approaching, leaders from the region are likely to face increasing pressure from voters over the alliances they choose.
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For Wetang’ula, the argument is clear: supporting Ruto in 2027 could be viewed as part of a longer political strategy aimed at positioning Western Kenya for the presidency in the future.
Whether voters in the region will embrace that strategy remains to be seen, but the Speaker's remarks have already placed the question of Western Kenya's political direction firmly back into the national conversation.
For Wetang’ula, the argument is clear: supporting Ruto in 2027 could be viewed as part of a longer political strategy aimed at positioning Western Kenya for the presidency in the future.
Whether voters in the region will embrace that strategy remains to be seen, but the Speaker's remarks have already placed the question of Western Kenya's political direction firmly back into the national conversation.
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politics