Why Luhya unity remains elusive amid rising presidential ambitions

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet Minister Musalia Mudavadi during funeral mass service of Malava Mp Malulu Injendi at Lugusi village in Malava on March 3, 2025. [Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard]

A political storm is gathering in Western as parallel political ambitions and renewed appetite for the presidency by leaders from the region further scuttle the elusive quest for Luhya unity.

At a recent event that brought together over 20 Members of Parliament from Western Kenya, leaders emphasised the importance of unity. Yet, many used the platform to back their preferred political "kingpins," revealing the contradictions within the unity agenda.

So far, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has positioned himself as a leading figure from the region poised to succeed President William Ruto.

Other prominent figures with national aspirations include Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.

And in another twist, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has also plunged into the race to succeed Ruto and has embarked on an exercise to unite the region for his personal goals.

Critics, however, believe he is a gun for hire and is a presidential aspirant sponsored by Kenya Kwanza to scuttle the Gen-Z votes.

Wetang'ula, who also serves as the Ford Kenya party leader, believes his role as the third-in-command in the Kenya Kwanza government puts him in a strong position to succeed Ruto.

Speaking in Kikwameti village, Trans Nzoia, this week, Wetang'ula claimed he had been endorsed by top Luhya leaders to pursue the presidency.

"I am the most senior leader from the Western region, and my position as the third in command gives me a better chance to succeed President Ruto," said Wetang'ula.

Part of his strategy involves ensuring that all youths in the region who have reached age 18 acquire national identity cards, a key step in consolidating voter strength.

Wetang'ula dismissed his critics, calling them "enemies of the Luhya nation."

"I am not interested in a governor's seat. That is too small. I am at a senior level now, and I'm eyeing the presidency. So stop fighting me," he said.

He stressed his commitment to regional unity as essential for addressing both political and economic challenges.

His sentiments come amid what many view as a potential competition with his current political friend, Mudavadi.

Allies of Mudavadi view him as the most suitable successor to President Ruto in 2032, should Ruto win re-election in 2027.

Mudavadi himself has downplayed any perceived rift between him and Wetang'ula, stating that they share a common goal of uniting the Western region.

Political commentators suggest the 2027 election might feature a record number of presidential aspirants from the Western region-and possibly even more in 2032.

This could further complicate the contest for the region's estimated 2.2 million votes, as per the 2022 data from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Despite being the second-largest ethnic group in Kenya, the Luhya community has historically struggled to rally behind a single presidential candidate.

"The elusive Luhya unity may remain just that if we have multiple camps each supporting their own candidate. It can only be achieved if the region unites behind a single contender," said Moses Ombayo, a lawyer and political analyst.

Some leaders eyeing 2032 argue that the region should push for the Deputy President position in return for supporting Ruto's re-election.

Although Mudavadi allies have not officially pushed for a Deputy President bid, speculation suggests Mudavadi is focused on the 2032 presidential race.

Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, a close Mudavadi ally, has urged continued support for President Ruto, arguing that long-term political strategy should guide their decisions.

"We have our sons here, Mudavadi and Wetang'ula. Let's support them in uniting the region, and they will guide us when 2032 comes," said Adagala during a recent fundraising event at Shamakhokho in Vihiga County.

Lurambi MP Titus Khamala has emphasised the region's commitment to supporting Ruto, stating that it deserves the Deputy President slot in return come 2027.

"We are one of the regions with the highest number of votes. This must be reflected in our political negotiations. The presidency is non-negotiable as we leave that to President Ruto," said Khamala.

Meanwhile, Salasya has declared the start of what he calls a political revolution, injecting youthful energy into his presidential race.

"It's official that the revolution has begun!" he proclaimed during a tour of Nakuru, marking a key moment in what he now calls the "Salasya Movement."

What began as modest meetings in Kakamega and Mumias has evolved into a national campaign promoting youthful leadership, visionary governance, and people-centered politics.

With his sights firmly set on the 2027 presidency, the first-term lawmaker is not mincing words about his ambition.

"Let's prepare to elect a youth president in 2027, one with courage, vision, and the ability to get things done," he urged.

It remains to be seen what will happen between Salasya, who was elected on a DAP-K party ticket, and his party leader, Wamalwa, who is also seeking the top seat.

Salasya has gained national visibility through his early campaign efforts, unlike Omtatah, who is yet to begin public rallies.

On the other side, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also called for unity in the Luhya community, urging residents to leverage their numbers to gain more influence. He is also leading a quest of his own to unite the fragile region.