Wetang’ula leads call to shun tribal politics, backs Ruto’s development agenda in Western

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has urged Western Kenya residents to reject divisive politics and rally behind development-focused leadership, warning that ethnic mobilisation has no place in a modern, progressive nation.

Speaking on Wednesday in Busia during President William Ruto’s tour of the region, the Speaker said leaders must rise above tribal considerations and focus on unity, service delivery, and economic transformation.

“Kenya has moved beyond the politics of division. We cannot afford to be held hostage by leaders who thrive on ethnic mobilisation yet have nothing to show in terms of development,” said Wetang’ula.

“The future of Western Kenya lies in unity of purpose. We are better off consolidating our voice and working with a government that is committed to delivering tangible results for our people.”

Wetang’ula emphasised that the region stands to benefit more by supporting the national development agenda, urging residents to ignore politicians seeking to exploit ethnic identities for personal gain.

“Let us reject leaders who come to divide us along tribal lines. Our strength is in our diversity, and our progress depends on how well we work together as one people,” he said, calling on locals to back President Ruto’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

President Ruto, in his address, echoed similar sentiments, warning that tribal politics is retrogressive and undermines national cohesion.

He said leaders advancing division and hatred have no place in Kenya’s future.

“As Kenyans, we should not allow a few politicians with tribal hangovers to divide us because they have nothing to show in terms of development,” said the President.

While affirming his focus on development, the Head of State said he would only dedicate minimal time responding to political attacks.

“When our competitors engage on issues, we will meet them there with clarity and reason. But when they resort to insults, we will spend only one per cent of our time responding and 99 per cent serving Kenyans,” he said.

The President assured residents that no region would be left behind in development, noting that Western Kenya would receive equal attention like the rest of the country.

During the tour, President Ruto inspected the Nangina Affordable Housing Project in Funyula, saying legal hurdles that had stalled its implementation had been resolved and construction would be completed within six months.

He also launched the construction of key roads in Busia County, handed over the Amagoro Modern Market in Teso North to traders, and commissioned development projects across Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties.

The President further underscored his administration’s focus on empowering small-scale traders, youth, and farmers through targeted investments in markets, infrastructure, and skills development.

“Our young people are not voting tools to be used during elections and forgotten. They are the backbone of our economy, and we are investing in their future through education, skills, and enterprise,” he said.

Leaders accompanying the President, including governors and Cabinet Secretaries, hailed the ongoing projects as transformative, saying they are already improving livelihoods across the region.