‘There is no miracle,’ Wetangula says impossible for first-time Senator to become President

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed the possibility of a first-time Member of Parliament winning the presidential election in 2027.

According to the Speaker, Kenya’s political history proves that one has to gain adequate political experience before seeking the country’s top seat.

“I urged first-time MPs aspiring to the presidency to learn from Kenya’s political history, where former presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and now William Ruto all gained valuable political experience before becoming president,” he said.

Wetang’ula argued that Kenyans have traditionally entrusted the presidency to experienced politicians, dismissing the ambitions of first-time MPs seeking to challenge President William Ruto as premature.

“There is no miracle in winning the presidency in Kenya. Kenyans have always put their trust in experienced politicians for the presidency, and their choice is President Ruto,” Wetang’ula said during a women’s empowerment drive at Jepkoyayi Grounds in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County.

The National Assembly Speaker made the comments in apparent reference to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a first-time Member of Parliament who is seeking the presidency under Linda Mwananchi movement.

Last week, Sifuna expressed confidence that he would be the first one-term MP to ascend to the presidency.

“For now, I am receiving a lot of pressure from Kenyans to vie for the presidency. People are asking, ‘huyu Sifuna mnaita rais, how will it happen?’ they say I am young and have no money. But I know god’s guidance will lead me. I will be the first one-term senator to become president,” he said.

In dismissing Sifuna’s ambitions, Wetangula said he had no objection to young leaders pursuing their political ambitions.

However, he warned that challenging Ruto in the next General Election without sufficient experience could jeopardise their (Sifuna’s) political careers.

Wetangula further appealed to the Western Kenya region to back President Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, revealing that he will go for the top seat in 2032.

Wetang’ula said he had acquired the experience needed to succeed Ruto in 2032.

“I have held positions that have shaped my political journey. After President Ruto’s retirement in 2032, I am ready to take over the mantle from him. I urge my people to unite behind me so that I can deliver the presidency our community has been dreaming of for a long time,” he said during an interdenominational fundraising event.

Five MPs who accompanied Wetang’ula criticised their colleagues affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement for visiting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to apologise for their role in his impeachment.

Led by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, the lawmakers accused Sifuna and his allies of seeking political mileage by visiting Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence to seek forgiveness.

“As MPs, we did the right thing to impeach Gachagua because his actions were becoming a threat to national unity and cohesion, and we have no apology to make to anybody,” Wangwe said.