National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula Speaking at his Bungoma home while hosting a delegation of more than 1,000 residents from Webuye East Constituency on May 10, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Our Reporter.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has warned retired President Uhuru Kenyatta against what he termed as continued attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the former Head of State risks damaging his legacy and public respect.
Speaking at his Bungoma home while hosting a delegation of more than 1,000 residents from Webuye East Constituency, Wetang’ula urged former presidents to embrace statesmanship and promote national unity instead of engaging in divisive politics.
The delegation comprised elders, opinion leaders, women, youth representatives and other stakeholders from the constituency.
Wetang’ula criticized Uhuru for allegedly aligning himself with leaders opposed to President William Ruto’s administration, accusing them of distracting the government from delivering on its development agenda.
“When a country goes astray, we expect senior leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, to help restore order. But how can you do that when you appear biased, always complaining and calling people names?” Wetang’ula posed.
The Speaker further appealed to Uhuru to emulate former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, saying they allowed succeeding administrations to govern without interference.
“We respect you as a retired president, but respect goes both ways. Former Presidents Kibaki and Moi allowed you to serve peacefully. In the same spirit, allow the current president to serve,” he said.
Webuye East MP Martin Pepela echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, urging Uhuru to accord President Ruto the same support he once received.
“President Ruto supported you for many years. Out of respect for the nation and the respect he gave you, allow him to serve Kenyans,” Pepela said.
Wetang’ula also rallied Bungoma residents to support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that a second term would guarantee continuity of key development projects under the Kenya Kwanza administration and the broad-based government arrangement involving UDA and ODM.
“The work will continue if we support the President’s second-term bid. We are working together with UDA in Kenya Kwanza and ODM under the broad-based government arrangement. Our message is two terms,” he stated.
At the same time, the Ford Kenya party leader reiterated his long-term presidential ambitions, declaring that he would seek the presidency in 2032 after Ruto’s expected second term.
“My people, let us work together to ensure Ruto gets a second term in 2027, then in 2032 we will rise to the occasion,” he said.
Amid growing political competition in Bungoma County ahead of the 2027 General Election, Pepela called on residents to strengthen alliances with leaders from other regions to enhance the constituency’s political influence.
“If you want to go far, walk with others. For us to succeed as a constituency, we must work with others,” he said.
Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga also emphasized the need for unity among political leaders.
“We want leaders who unite people. People who reason together walk the journey together,” he said.
Residents who attended the meeting praised Wetang’ula for backing reforms in the sugar sector, saying the changes had helped revive struggling sugar factories in the region. However, they raised concerns over irregular cane harvesting by millers and investors, which they said was causing losses to farmers.
In response, Wetang’ula said he had already engaged Members of Parliament and investors to address the issue.
“We do not want selective harvesting. Farmers must benefit fairly. This irregular system of permits and harvesting must end,” he said.
The Speaker also defended government reforms in the sugar industry, dismissing criticism from opponents who had accused him of supporting the sale of Nzoia Sugar Company.
“I was accused of selling Nzoia Sugar, yet it is now operational and farmers are being paid within seven days. Let us ignore the noisemakers,” he said.
Wetang’ula assured residents that Bungoma leaders would be elected democratically without external influence, adding that no candidate would be imposed on the people.
The Bungoma meeting marked the first in a series of political engagements aimed at consolidating Wetang’ula’s influence in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
Last week, the Speaker also hosted teachers and religious leaders from Bungoma County, where he urged support for the Kenya Kwanza administration and the broad-based government arrangement.
