Luhya Leaders: Ruto Has Promised to Back Us for the Presidency in 2032

The Kenya Kwanza Alliance is in turmoil over rumours of an agreement between President William Ruto and Western region leaders to support one of their own as his successor in 2032.

The idea of discussing Ruto's future successor so soon into his term has caused controversy among ruling alliance leaders. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is eyeing the position, but a reported agreement between Ruto and Mulembe nation leaders could lead to political instability. These leaders believe that Mudavadi and Wetang’ula would have a better chance of winning if they were backed by Ruto. Senator Boni Khalwale says that Ruto promised to support a leader from Mulembe as his successor.

During a recent meeting between the president and a group of Western leaders, Ruto reportedly promised to support a Kenya Kwanza candidate for the presidency in 2032. However, not all Kenya Kwanza legislators are on board with this statement, with some dismissing it as premature and distracting from the president's current goals. Nandi Senator Samson Cheragei and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi argue that the president is focused on improving the country's economy and fulfilling his campaign promises, rather than worrying about his successor at this time. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing development over political manoeuvering and believe that Kenya Kwanza's success in future elections will depend on their ability to deliver tangible benefits to their constituents.

Western Kenya's political leaders now say that they are committed to enhancing service delivery to guarantee that their concerted efforts benefit the next generation rather than winning just one time in the next election. MP Wamumbi, a DP Gachagua ally, accentuates the need to invest now in order to reap rewards later in 2032. Meanwhile, Western Kenya leaders are backing Mudavadi as President Ruto's successor in 2032 while the Mt Kenya region supports DP Gachagua.

President Ruto has already assembled a team to help him consolidate his Western command for 2027 and possibly prepare the region for his succession in 2032. During Ruto's recent tour in the region, Governors including Otuoma, Barasa, Lusaka, and Ottichilo promised to support the bottom-up transformative agenda. Otuoma commends the national government for its support of development projects in the region and pledges to partner with Ruto's administration on key priorities to stimulate growth.

From August 27 to August 30, President Ruto held discussions on politics and development matters with various leaders and groups at the Kakamega State Lodge.