Wetang'ula: Last man standing in Kenya Kwanza power politics

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula's grip on Ford Kenya remains firm. [File, Standard]

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula remains the last man standing in the Kenya Kwanza coalition after resisting pressure to have the Ford Kenya Party, where he serves as party leader, merge with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

As the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election, attention is increasingly focused on the man from Kabuchai, with many keen to see whether Wetang’ula will remain the neutral referee required of his office or prepare for a future presidential bid.

Wetang’ula has transitioned from a seasoned diplomat to the arbiter of Kenya’s legislative arena. However, as the 13th Parliament navigates the complexities of a broad-based government, the Speaker finds himself at the crossroads of constitutional duty and political ambition.

“I have consistently upheld the principles of fairness and neutrality while presiding over parliamentary proceedings, even as I continue serving as the Ford Kenya Party leader, since the Constitution does not bar me from doing so,” said Wetang’ula.

The Speaker has strongly defended his dual role, despite internal revolts and legal challenges. His grip on Ford Kenya remains firm even as other key political players have opted to dissolve their parties and join the ruling UDA.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has already folded his Amani National Congress into UDA, while Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also dissolved his PAA party to merge with UDA. Intriguingly, there is growing political speculation regarding Wetang’ula’s prospects beyond President William Ruto’s tenure. In recent public functions, close allies of the President have hinted at a possible succession plan that could see Wetang’ula emerge as a key contender after 2032.

Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has previously described Wetang’ula as one of the most suitable leaders to succeed the President, noting that the Abaluhya community, Kenya’s second largest, could provide a significant voting bloc. “The Mulembe Nation should get ready to take over power from Ruto in 2032. You have the numbers to support one of your own—you can choose either National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula or Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi,” he said.

“Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is one of the most experienced politicians we have today. Anyone underestimating him does so at their own risk. He knows when to strike, when to step back, when to speak and when to remain silent,” said Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli.

The political handshake between UDA and ODM has further reshaped Parliament’s dynamics. While the cooperation has eased legislative gridlock, it has also placed the Speaker in a delicate balancing position.

Political analyst Dr Victor Muniafu said Wetang’ula has mastered the art of long-term political strategy, describing him as a leader who absorbs political pressure and uses it to strengthen his position.

He noted that Wetang’ula currently acts as the glue holding a diverse parliamentary majority together, ensuring stability in an increasingly unpredictable political environment.

With roughly 16 months to the next electoral cycle, the Ruto administration continues to rely on Wetang’ula to steer its legislative agenda in a House that is increasingly bipartisan.

Critics, however, argue that his continued grassroots political engagement risks blurring the neutrality required of his office. Wetang’ula, however, maintains that Article 106 of the Constitution does not bar him from party leadership. His allies insist he is not only positioning himself for 2027, but also for the wider political horizon of 2032, where he could emerge either as kingmaker or a presidential contender.