National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula/ FILE
Some leaders allied to President William Ruto from the Rift Valley have endorsed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2032 general election.
The leaders said Wetang'ula is best placed to succeed Ruto after the completion of his second and final constitutional term.
The leaders, led by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, made the declaration during a church fundraiser in Aldai constituency, Nandi county, on Sunday, where they credited Wetang'ula with playing a key role in President Ruto's victory in the 2022 general election and praised his leadership of the National Assembly.
Speaking during the event, Sang said Wetang'ula's contribution to the formation and success of the Kenya Kwanza administration should not be overlooked, adding that the Speaker had earned the confidence of leaders from the Rift Valley.
"The story of President William Ruto's victory in the 2022 general election cannot be told without recognising the role played by Moses Wetang'ula. His contribution is part of Kenya's political history, and we appreciate the support he gave," Sang said.
The governor also praised Wetang'ula's performance as Speaker, saying he had successfully steered parliamentary business despite presiding over a House comprising members from both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition.
"Kenya has had many Speakers, but Wetang'ula's record stands out. He has presided over a broad-based Parliament comprising both the government and the opposition with distinction," he said.
Sang said leaders from the Rift Valley would support Wetang'ula's presidential ambitions once President Ruto completes his constitutionally allowed two terms in office.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly said the Speaker had demonstrated the leadership, experience and statesmanship required to lead the country.
He said Wetang'ula had remained steadfast in supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration while ensuring Parliament discharged its constitutional mandate.
According to Melly, discussions on Kenya's leadership after 2032 should start early to allow leaders and political parties to prepare for the transition once President Ruto's tenure comes to an end.
Other leaders who addressed the gathering, including Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, also backed Wetang'ula, saying he had the experience and national outlook required to seek the country's top seat.
They said Wetang'ula's political journey, his role in the Kenya Kwanza coalition and his leadership of the National Assembly had positioned him as one of the leaders capable of mounting a presidential bid after President Ruto leaves office.
The endorsement comes as political leaders increasingly begin positioning themselves ahead of the post-2032 succession debate, even as they maintain that President Ruto remains eligible to seek a second and final term in the 2027 general election.
