National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on women to step into the political arena and fight for elective seats in the 2027 General Election, saying they should no longer remain behind male politicians' ambitions.
Wetang’ula said women have the numbers to influence elections but need to turn their political participation into direct competition for leadership positions at the county and national levels.
“Women should not only be voters and supporters of other people’s political ambitions. I want to see more women come forward, seek elective positions and compete for leadership at all levels,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker spoke on Wednesday when he met women leaders from the four wards of Kimilili Constituency at his residence in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
He was accompanied by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela.
The meeting brought together discussions on education, infrastructure, livelihoods and the need for women to have a stronger presence in political leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wetang’ula used the political record of Sitikho Ward MCA Grace Sundukwa to challenge women in attendance to believe they can win and retain elective positions.
Sundukwa, who represents Sitikho Ward in Webuye West Constituency, has been elected three times.
“Look at Hon. Grace Sundukwa, a small girl we picked from the university. She has been elected three times. That tells you that a woman can organise herself, win the confidence of the people and serve successfully for several terms,” he said.
Wetang’ula said Sundukwa's success should encourage other women to compete for seats instead of waiting for nomination slots or government appointments.
“I want the women here to look at such examples and say, ‘If she can do it, I can also do it.’ Do not wait to be nominated or appointed. Come out and compete for elective seats,” Mr. Wetang’ula said.
He said the region needs more women who are willing to campaign, present their plans to voters and take the risks that come with seeking elective office.
“We need more Hon. Grace Sundukwa. We need women who are ready to take the political risk, go to the people, explain their agenda and ask for their votes.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula in Kimilili Constituency at his residence in Kabuchai, Bungoma County on September 9, 2026.
PHOTO/SPU
The Speaker said women who want to influence decisions affecting their homes, communities and the wider country must also be ready to seek positions where they can directly participate in decision-making.
“Leadership is not given; it is pursued. If women want to have a greater voice in decisions affecting their families, communities and country, they must also be willing to seek elective office,” he said.
Beyond encouraging women to contest, Wetang’ula asked eligible citizens to ensure they are registered to vote before the 2027 election.
He particularly called on young people and women to take part in voter registration, saying the number of citizens who participate in elections will help shape the country's political future.
“I am asking every eligible Kenyan, especially our young people and women, to register as voters. Do not sit at home and complain about leadership when you have not taken part in choosing your leaders,” he said.
Wetang’ula also turned his attention to the political direction of Western Kenya, asking residents to continue backing the Kenya Kwanza administration that they helped bring to power in 2022.
He warned against changing political sides without first examining the government's policies and what it has delivered since taking office.
“We must not be deceived into abandoning a government that we helped to put in place in 2022 for an opposition whose direction and agenda for this country are not clear,” he said.
The Speaker said Western Kenya's cooperation with the national government had opened up opportunities for development, particularly in education and infrastructure.
He highlighted Kisiwa, Sang’alo and Matili national polytechnics in Bungoma as examples of investments that have expanded technical and vocational education opportunities in the county.
“Before the 2022 elections, Bungoma did not have a national polytechnic. Today, we have Kisiwa, Sang’alo and Matili. These are tangible investments that our people can see and benefit from,” he said.
Wetang’ula said the institutions would play a role in helping young people gain practical skills, build careers and achieve economic independence.
“These institutions are not just buildings. They are giving our young people an opportunity to acquire skills, pursue careers and become economically independent,” he said.
As the 2027 political contest approaches, Wetang’ula said Western Kenya should also consider what it wants to achieve beyond the next election.
He said the region's future position in national politics would depend on the choices and relationships it builds now, including its partnership with President William Ruto.
“As a region, we must think beyond 2027. If we want to play a bigger role in the leadership of this country in 2032, we must make strategic political choices today,” he said.
Wetang’ula said unity would be important as the region seeks to protect projects already started, complete those under way and create room for more investment.
“Our political choices must ultimately be guided by the interests of our people and the need to secure development opportunities,” he said.
The Speaker has been associated with efforts to strengthen Ford Kenya's position in Western Kenya and has supported continued cooperation between the region and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He told the women that political success cannot be achieved through short-term decisions, saying leaders need to plan, organise themselves and build partnerships around clear goals.
“Politics is about strategy, organisation and partnerships. We must know where we are going as a region and make decisions that advance our interests,” he said.