National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged first-time leaders aspiring to become president to learn from Kenya’s political history, arguing that the country’s past leaders gained political experience before ascending to the highest office.
Wetang’ula said Kenyans were not ready to elect a president without adequate political experience, citing former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, as well as President William Ruto.
“While presiding over a women’s empowerment drive in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County, I observed that Kenyans are not ready to elect a president without adequate political experience,” he said.
“I urged first-time MPs aspiring to the presidency to learn from Kenya’s political history...Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto all gained valuable political experience before becoming president.”
Although he did not name the lawmakers he was referring to, his remarks come as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with several figures linked to possible presidential ambitions.
They include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Wetang’ula also urged residents of Vihiga County to support Ruto’s re-election bid, citing planned infrastructure projects expected to benefit the region.
Among the projects he highlighted was the proposed upgrading of the Eldoret-Kapsabet-Chavakali road, alongside plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to Busia through Vihiga County.
He also cited the planned construction of Kidundu Stadium and improvements to markets and roads as part of the government’s development agenda.
The Speaker called on residents to back the President, arguing that the proposed projects would improve connectivity, support trade and expand economic opportunities in the region.
Wetang’ula further raised concern over voter registration, saying about 250,000 Vihiga residents who possess national identity cards had not registered as voters.
He urged political leaders to mobilise eligible residents to register and obtain voter cards ahead of the next election.
“Leaders must take responsibility for ensuring that eligible citizens participate in the electoral process,” he said.
The call comes as political parties and aspirants prepare for the 2027 elections, with voter registration expected to be a key factor in determining participation and mobilisation.
Wetang’ula also appealed to political leaders to exercise tolerance during the campaign period, warning against allowing political competition to undermine national unity.
He cited the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s ability to reconcile with political opponents as an example leaders should emulate.
He said leaders should learn to accommodate divergent political views and maintain peaceful relations even when competing for elective positions.
Political rivalry, he added, should not come at the expense of peaceful coexistence among Kenyans.
Wetang’ula’s remarks place political experience, voter participation and national unity at the centre of the emerging debate over leadership and succession ahead of the 2027 General Election.
