Wetang’ula hints at 2032 presidential bid, slams Uhuru for politicking in retirement

Wetang’ula spoke during an interactive engagement with a delegation from Webuye East Constituency, where he listened to concerns raised by sugarcane farmers over what they described as irregular and inconsistent harvesting by millers and investors, leading to losses and reduced yields.

Turning to politics, the Speaker suggested he was unlikely to “go back” to what he termed small political battles, citing his current position as Speaker.

“Sasa mambo ya siyasa, nimekuwa ordinary MP, nika kuwa assistant minister, nika kuwa minister, nika kuwa senator wenu, sasa niko Speaker, number three in Kenya, kweli nita kuwa zimu kiasigani kurudi nyuma kubishana kwa mambo madogo madogo,” he said.

“Silazima tuangalie mbele… Lazima tutembe pamoja. And I promise not to let you down, I promise to work for you,” he added.

Wetang’ula also defended the broad-based arrangement, saying Kenya Kwanza partners UDA and ODM are working together, adding that Raila Odinga weighed the situation and agreed to join government.

“We are partners with UDA, with ODM… Hata Raila aliangalia mambo vile iko akasema twende kwa serikali,” he said.

He criticised retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, urging him to embrace retirement and offer counsel instead of engaging in divisive politics.

“Umestaafu, wewe kuwa mtu wa kushauri si wa kunung’unika… usimsumbue Rais Ruto,” Wetang’ula said.

Wetang’ula urged residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election so the Head of State can continue implementing his development agenda.

The remarks came as Wetang’ula also hosted more than 1,000 elders, opinion leaders, women, youth and other stakeholders from Webuye East at his home in Bungoma County.

Leaders present included Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, Senate Chief Whip and Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Bungoma Woman Representative Catherine Wambilianga, Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma, several MCAs and other leaders.