National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced a joint political initiative with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya aimed at uniting the Luhya community ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Seregeya village in Likuyani during a condolence visit to the family of the late former MP Enoch Kibunguchy, Wetang’ula said the three senior leaders had agreed to close ranks and provide collective leadership to strengthen the community’s political influence at the national level.
“If we are serious about uniting our people, we must first unite ourselves. That is why Mudavadi, Oparanya and I have agreed to put words into action,” he said.
He noted that the unity drive would be broadened to include other leaders from across the Western region, stressing that the Luhya community could only gain meaningful bargaining power in national politics by speaking with one voice and voting as a bloc.
“Our strength lies in unity. As leaders, we have no option but to bring our people together as we look beyond the presidency of President William Ruto,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said the mobilisation effort was also aimed at rallying the region to support the President’s re-election.
He argued that maintaining a strong alliance with the current government would position the region favourably in future political arrangements.
He added that the Luhya community stood a realistic chance of producing a president if it remained united and supported President Ruto, who, after serving two terms, could back a candidate from the region.
During the event, the Speaker also paid tribute to two prominent Luhya leaders who died during the festive season—businessman and former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo and former MP Dr Kibunguchy.
He cautioned leaders and young people against disorderly conduct at funerals, warning that political chaos at burial ceremonies undermines cultural values and disrespects grieving families.
“Leaders who encourage disorder at funerals must stop this outdated behaviour and respect the dead and grieving families,” Wetang’ula said.
Recalling a past burial where he and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka were heckled, he described such conduct as un-African and contrary to Luhya traditions.
“Let us not repeat the chaos witnessed during the burial of Dr Kibunguchy’s mother. That behaviour does not reflect who we are as a people,” he said.
Wetang’ula also highlighted development projects being implemented by President Ruto’s administration in Western Kenya, including the resumption of works at the Kakamega Level Six Hospital and plans for a similar facility in Bungoma County.
He said the projects would improve healthcare services and reduce referrals to Eldoret and Nairobi.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said he had completed projects initiated by Dr Kibunguchy in his honour.
“I made it my responsibility to ensure that all projects started by Dr Kibunguchy were completed,” he said.
Kanduyi MP John Makali and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela echoed calls for unity, describing Wetang’ula as their preferred presidential candidate after President Ruto’s tenure.
“The Luhya community should unite in honour of Cyrus Jirongo and Dr Kibunguchy,” Pepela said.
