The 2027 political contest is already taking shape, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula calling on Kenyans to focus on development and political ideas rather than ethnic loyalties when choosing their next leaders.
Wetang’ula made the remarks on Saturday during an empowerment drive at Holy Trinity Grounds in Saboti, Trans Nzoia County, where he backed President William Ruto’s re-election bid and challenged his political opponents to convince voters through their plans for the country.
“We want to urge those making political noise to go out and persuade and convince Kenyans on their agenda. If they are listened to and voted into office, better for them,” Mr Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker said the broad-based government had pursued a development programme aimed at reaching different parts of the country, listing the hiring of more than 100,000 teachers, improvements in healthcare, road construction and the continued development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network.
“Our agenda is development spread across the country,” he said.
Wetang’ula said the political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election should be based on what candidates intend to do for Kenyans, rather than ethnic mobilisation.
He also appealed to political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could divide communities and instead promote peaceful coexistence as the country heads towards another election.
“We want you, our people, to live in peace and harmony without any ethnic discrimination,” he said.
The Speaker further came to the defence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging politicians to stop undermining the electoral body and focus on building trust in the institution.
He said Kenya required strong, independent and credible institutions to protect the country’s democratic process and ensure elections are conducted in a manner that earns public confidence.
The remarks come at a time when political activity is increasing ahead of the 2027 polls, with opposition figures, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, questioning the preparedness and independence of the electoral agency.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, who was present during the Saboti event, also defended the IEBC, saying its previous performance showed it was capable of handling elections.
Nyakundi referred to the recent Ol-Kalou parliamentary by-election, which was won by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying the outcome demonstrated that the commission could oversee a competitive poll.
“The same IEBC that conducted the Ol-Kalou constituency by-election that the DCP won will be the same that will conduct the 2027 General Election,” Hon. Nyakundi said.
The legislator also challenged Gachagua and other opposition figures to explain to voters what they would offer if given the opportunity to lead the country.
He argued that the broad-based government had already set out its development agenda and had a record that voters could use when making their decision in 2027.
“Maybe in 2022 you people did not know William Ruto, but in 2027 he will whitewash all of you because he has a track record,” he said.
Nyakundi went further to urge voters to retain Ruto for another five years, saying his administration should be allowed to finish the programmes it has started before another government takes over.
“Let’s support President William Ruto for a second term in office so that after he is done, we will be there to take over from him in 2032,” he said.
He also assured Kenyans that the next election would be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and verifiable manner.
Wetang’ula attended the event alongside Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek and Migori County Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, among other leaders.