NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula appears to be a man on a mission, with barely two years to the forthcoming August 2027 elections.
The Speaker has been convening ‘strategic meetings’ consisting of leaders from the vote-rich Western Kenya region, with the latest being their engagement with President William Ruto.
During the Saturday, May 16, 2026, meeting at State House, Nairobi, the Speaker commended the Head of State for what he described as a transformative development program aimed at transforming Bungoma and the neighbouring counties.
The planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba through Miyanga in Bungoma County, the creation of a contemporary smart city in Bungoma town, the revitalisation of failing sugar factories, and the proposed 45-megawatt hydropower project in Webuye, which is anticipated to boost industrial growth and generate thousands of jobs, were among the flagship projects discussed.
According to Wetang’ula, the projects are set to improve the livelihoods of farmers, traders, and young people looking for employment opportunities, as well as economically alter the region.
“The people of Bungoma and the entire Western region can now clearly see a government that is committed to development and inclusive leadership. These projects will open up our economy, create jobs for our youth and restore the dignity of our farmers,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.
Why Speaker Wetang’ula praised President Ruto
The meeting, according to pundits, is another sign of Wetang’ula’s rising prominence within Kenya Kwanza and his ongoing consolidation of power in Western Kenya, a region that is predicted to be crucial in the upcoming elections.
Speaker Wetang’ula, the leader of the Ford Kenya party, also praised President Ruto for assigning several of Bungoma’s sons and daughters to important positions in the government, claiming that this action demonstrated the President’s faith in the area and dedication to making sure that national leadership benefits every region of the nation.
Wetang’ula also addressed the session to highlight the value of civic engagement, urging elected officials and religious leaders to organise wananchi to obtain National Identification cards and register to vote in advance of the upcoming elections.
He described religious leaders as critical pillars of peace, morality and national cohesion, saying their influence within communities remains invaluable.
“Our religious leaders continue to play a vital role in guiding society spiritually and morally. Their voice is critical in promoting peace, unity and responsible citizenship,” he said.
Why should Kenyans participate in national matters?
Strong democracies are based on active citizen involvement, he said, urging Wananchi to actively participate in democratic processes in order to fully exercise their constitutional rights.
Wetang’ula’s sentiments were echoed by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who stated that Bungoma authorities were working together to advocate for the quick implementation of development projects that would improve the county’s economy.
Several Bungoma officials pledged to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza government, underscoring the meeting’s growing political convergence with President Ruto’s administration.
In order to maintain ongoing initiatives, Wetang’ula urged the people of Bungoma and the greater Western area to support President Ruto’s leadership and his 2027 re-election campaign. “We must support leadership that is delivering tangible results to our people.
Why Speaker Wetang’ula is the man to watch out for
“The progress already being witnessed across Western Kenya should inspire us to remain united and focused on development,” he said.
According to analysts, Wetang’ula’s ability to unite elected officials, governors, and religious leaders around a shared political and development goal continues to solidify his position as Western Kenya’s unchallenged political kingpin.
With Western Kenya developing as a crucial battleground for influence ahead of the next General Election, the State House meeting took place as political realignments are starting to shape the nation’s succession politics.
Speaker Wetang’ula saw Saturday’s gathering as a show of political strength, regional cohesion, and his expanding power in the country’s political arena, in addition to being about development.
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