National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed the ambitions of first-time MPs seeking to challenge President William Ruto in 2027 as premature, urging them to gain adequate political experience before seeking the country’s top seat.

Speaking during a women’s empowerment drive at Jepkoyayi Grounds in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County, Wetang’ula warned that such miscalculations could jeopadise their political careers.

He however, noted that he had no objection to young leaders pursuing their political ambitions.

“There is no miracle in winning the presidency in Kenya. Kenyans have always put their trust in experienced politicians for the presidency, and their choice is President Ruto,” Wetang’ula said in apparent reference to Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna’ presidential bid.

He urged young MPs aspiring to be presidency to learn from former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and now William Ruto, who first gained valuable political experience before becoming president.

MPs Emmanuel Wangwe (Nabakholo), Barnard Shinali (Ikolomani), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya) and host Charles Gimose attended the event.

Shinali alleged that leaders from Central Kenya were plotting to use Sifuna to split Ruto’s support base in Western Kenya by encouraging the senator to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, saying their end game was to return to power.

He said a similar strategy had previously been used against the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, alleging that former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta had encouraged Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to run for president with their backing before withdrawing their support.

“We vividly remember how Uhuru branded us demons after he backtracked on his promise to support Mudavadi. I am seeing the same thing happening to Sifuna,” he added.

Wangwe termed last week’s visit by Sifuna and his Linda Mwananchi allies to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence to seek forgiveness over their role in his contested impeachment as hypocrisy of the highest order

“As MPs, we did the right thing to impeach Gachagua because his actions were becoming a threat to national unity and cohesion, and we have no apology to make to anybody,” Wangwe said.

Mugabe questioned when Gachagua stopped being a tribalist.

“Sifuna and his allies were hard on Gachagua, accusing him of being a tribalist over his shares analogy. What has changed now that they are flocking to his home to kneel before him?” Mugabe posed.

Wangwe said sugarcane farmers had received a lifeline under Ruto following efforts to revive the struggling sector, including the writing off of KSh19 billion in debts, which he said included outstanding payments owed to farmers.

Wetang’ula hailed president Ruto for making strategic investments that will improve service delivery, stimulate economic growth, create opportunities and transform the livelihoods of the people and urged the region to support his re-election bid.

He highlighted key national Government projects initiated by the Kenya Kwanza administration in the region, including the ultra-modern Chwele Market, Bungoma Huduma Centre, Matulo Airstrip and Sichei Referral Hospital and expansion of the Koica multi-million water project in Mt.Elgon.

He also outlined President Ruto’s planned development projects in the region, including upgrading the Eldoret–Kapsabet–Chavakali road, extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Busia through Vihiga County, constructing Kidundu Stadium and improving markets and roads.

Ends…..///