National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula addressing supporters during a women’s empowerment drive at Jepkoyayi Grounds in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County on Friday/IMAGE/HILTON OTENYO

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned first-time MPs seeking to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 presidential election against what he termed premature ambitions, warning that political miscalculations could jeopardise their future careers.

In apparent reference to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi faction, Wetang’ula said aspiring presidents needed to gain sufficient political experience before seeking the country’s top job.

“There is no miracle in winning the presidency in Kenya. Kenyans have always put their trust in experienced politicians for the presidency, and their choice is President Ruto,” Wetang’ula said.

He cited former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, alongside Ruto, as leaders who had gained valuable political experience before ascending to the presidency.

While he said he had no objection to young leaders pursuing their political ambitions, Wetang’ula maintained that they needed to build their political careers before making a bid for State House.

The Speaker, however, made clear that he had his own presidential ambitions, declaring himself ready to succeed Ruto when the President retires in 2032.

“I have held positions that have shaped my political journey. After President Ruto’s retirement in 2032, I am ready to take over the mantle from him,” he said.

"I urge my people to unite behind me so that I can deliver the presidency our community has been dreaming of for a long time."

Wetang’ula was speaking during a women’s empowerment drive at Jepkoyayi Grounds in Hamisi constituency, Vihiga county, on Friday, where he urged the Luhya community to unite behind his presidential bid.

The event also saw leaders from the region attack Sifuna and his allies over their recent visit to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence, where they sought forgiveness over their role in his contested impeachment.

Nabakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe described the visit as hypocrisy, defending the decision by MPs to impeach Gachagua.

“As MPs, we did the right thing to impeach Gachagua because his actions were becoming a threat to national unity and cohesion, and we have no apology to make to anybody,” he said.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe questioned the change in Sifuna and his allies’ stance towards Gachagua, recalling their earlier criticism of him over his remarks comparing the distribution of shares to different communities.

“Sifuna and his allies were hard on Gachagua, accusing him of being a tribalist over his shares analogy. What has changed now that they are flocking to his home to kneel before him?” he asked.

Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali alleged that leaders from Central Kenya were encouraging Sifuna to challenge Ruto in 2027 as part of a plan to split the President’s support base in Western Kenya and eventually return to power.

Shinali claimed the strategy resembled an earlier political manoeuvre involving former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, whom he alleged had been encouraged by former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta to run for President before their support was withdrawn.

“We vividly remember how Uhuru branded us demons after he backtracked on his promise to support Mudavadi. I am seeing the same thing happening to Sifuna,” he said.

Wangwe also credited Ruto’s administration with efforts to revive the struggling sugar sector, saying the writing off of Sh19 billion in debts had provided relief to farmers, including through the settlement of outstanding payments.

Wetang’ula urged residents of Western Kenya to support Ruto’s re-election bid, citing national government projects that he said would improve service delivery, stimulate economic growth and transform livelihoods in the region.

Among the projects he highlighted were the ultra-modern Chwele market, Bungoma Huduma Centre, Matulo Airstrip, Sichei Referral Hospital and the expansion of the multimillion-shilling Koica water project in Mt Elgon.

He also outlined planned projects, including the upgrading of the Eldoret-Kapsabet-Chavakali road, extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Busia through Vihiga county, construction of Kidundu Stadium and improvements to markets and roads.

Other leaders who attended the event included Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and Hamisi MP Charles Gimose.

Wetang’ula’s warning to young leaders eyeing the presidency in 2027 exposes the growing tension within Kenya’s political realignments ahead of the elections. While cautioning Edwin Sifuna against seeking power before gaining sufficient experience, the Speaker has declared his own readiness to succeed Ruto in 2032. His remarks also underline the battle for Western Kenya’s political loyalty, as leaders defend Ruto’s re-election bid and question Sifuna’s emerging alliances with Gachagua.