Leaders from Western Kenya have called on President William Ruto to name National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as his running mate for the 2027 General Election. The push comes as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki currently holds the position. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa made the announcement during an event in Lurambi Constituency.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa stated during a women empowerment programme in Lurambi Constituency on Saturday that Western Kenya had settled on Wetang'ula for the deputy presidency in 2027 and the presidency in 2032.
"As the people of Western Kenya, we have identified our own leader, and that leader is National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang'ula. He is equal to the task," Barasa said. He added that the region expects the presidency to come to Western Kenya in 2032 after re-electing Ruto in 2027.
Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala said leaders from the region had agreed during consultations in Naivasha to seek the deputy presidency slot in exchange for support. Lurambi MP Titus Khamala also backed Wetang'ula over Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
Wetang'ula responded by urging residents to focus on voter registration to strengthen the region's influence.