Wetang’ula Warns Uhuru Against ‘Undermining Ruto, Government’

By Mark Anderson

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned retired President Uhuru Kenyatta against what he termed as continued political interference, saying it risks eroding the statesman image expected of former heads of state.

Speaking at his home in Bungoma while hosting a delegation of more than 1,000 people from Webuye East Constituency, Wetang’ula said former presidents should rise above partisan politics and instead champion national unity and stability.

The delegation comprised elders, opinion leaders, women, youth and other stakeholders from the constituency.

Wetang’ula accused Uhuru of aligning himself with leaders opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that such actions were distracting President William Ruto from delivering on his agenda.

“When a country goes astray, we expect senior leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, to help restore order. But how can you do that when you appear biased, always complaining and calling people names?” Wetang’ula said.

The Speaker urged Uhuru to emulate former Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, whom he said allowed successive governments to govern without sustained public confrontation.

“We respect you as a retired president, but respect goes both ways. Former Presidents Kibaki and Moi allowed you to serve peacefully. In the same spirit, allow the current president to serve,” he added.

His remarks mirror sentiments recently expressed by several Kenya Kwanza leaders, who have accused Uhuru of remaining politically active despite his retirement from office. In recent public engagements in western Kenya, leaders allied to the ruling coalition argued that former presidents should transition into advisory and unifying roles rather than active political mobilisation.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela backed Wetang’ula’s remarks, saying President Ruto deserved political space to implement his development agenda.

“President Ruto supported you for many years. Out of respect for the nation and the respect he gave you, allow him to serve Kenyans,” Pepela said.

Wetang’ula also rallied Bungoma residents to support Ruto’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continuity in leadership would ensure completion of ongoing development projects.

“The work will continue if we support the President’s second-term bid. We are working together with UDA in Kenya Kwanza and ODM under the broad-based government arrangement. Our message is two terms,” he said.

The Speaker further revived speculation about his own future political ambitions, declaring his intention to contest the presidency in 2032 after Ruto’s expected second term.

“My people, let us work together to ensure Ruto gets a second term in 2027, then in 2032 we will rise to the occasion,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened political realignments and growing competition for influence in western Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Wetang’ula, a longtime regional political figure and Ford Kenya leader, has increasingly positioned himself as a central player within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Despite growing political divisions in Bungoma County, Pepela urged residents to work with leaders from other regions to strengthen the constituency’s bargaining power nationally.

“If you want to go far, walk with others. For us to succeed as a constituency, we must work with others,” he said.

Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga also called for unity among leaders, saying cooperation was essential for development and political stability.

“We want leaders who unite people. People who reason together walk the journey together,” he said.

Residents at the meeting praised Wetang’ula for supporting reforms in the sugar sector, saying the changes had helped revive struggling millers. However, they raised concerns over alleged irregular cane harvesting practices, which they said were causing losses for farmers.

Wetang’ula acknowledged the concerns and said consultations with legislators and investors were ongoing to streamline the sector.

“We do not want selective harvesting. Farmers must benefit fairly. This irregular system of permits and harvesting must end,” he said.

The Speaker also defended government-backed reforms at Nzoia Sugar Company, dismissing criticism from opponents who had accused him of supporting the sale of the miller.

“I was accused of selling Nzoia Sugar, yet it is now operational and farmers are being paid within seven days. Let us ignore the noisemakers,” he said.

He assured residents that Bungoma voters would remain free to elect leaders of their choice and that no candidate would be imposed on them.

The Bungoma meeting was the latest in a series of political engagements by Wetang’ula aimed at consolidating support for the Kenya Kwanza administration and the broad-based government arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.