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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has told Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to build a record of leadership before seeking the presidency.
Wetang’ula argued that the country’s highest office requires experience and a proven record of public service.
He spoke while hosting grassroots leaders from Bumula constituency at his home in Bungoma on Sunday.
The Speaker said Kenya’s former presidents undertook lengthy political journeys that prepared them for the demands of national leadership.
“You cannot wake up today and say you want to be president without any track record,” Wetang’ula said.
He cited former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as President William Ruto, saying they had accumulated political and public service experience before occupying State House.
Wetang’ula cautioned young politicians against rushing to seek the country’s top leadership in remarks that appeared directed at Sifuna, who has been popularising his presidential ambitions through the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna, however, offered a different argument while addressing worshippers at Mumias ACK Church during the second day of the movement’s grassroots mobilisation.
He dismissed criticism that his age and limited experience in the national executive should count against his presidential ambitions.
“They are telling us that we are young and lack experience. It’s those with experience who have plunged the country into the current economic doldrums. Why can’t you try the young ones?” he said.
Sifuna has in recent weeks taken his campaign to several counties, including Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia and Bungoma.
Wetang’ula also said the Luhya community was closer than ever to producing a president and urged its leaders to adopt a strategic approach to the 2027 elections.
He argued that supporting President Ruto’s re-election could create an opportunity for the community to succeed him in future.
“I have the experience and the ability to help deliver this dream,” he said, adding that Ruto’s development record speaks for itself.
The Speaker challenged senior government officials from Western Kenya to use their positions to promote development and economic empowerment in the region.
“Many senior government officers from our region shy away from supporting our people. Their presence in their rural homes has not been felt at all,” he said.
Wetang’ula also backed President Ruto’s Vision 2060 agenda, saying a meeting would be held this week with the team behind the initiative, led by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, to unveil its roadmap.
He said the initiative was intended to transform Kenya’s economy and accelerate national development.
The Speaker also called on chiefs and their assistants to intensify efforts to ensure eligible residents obtain national identity cards.
He said more than 30,000 eligible residents in Bumula were yet to acquire the documents and urged local administrators to help close the gap ahead of the 2027 General Election.
