Wetang’ula warns Uhuru against undermining Ruto administration

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has criticised retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of undermining the Kenya Kwanza administration and risking damaging his legacy through persistent attacks on the government.

Speaking at his Bungoma home while hosting a delegation of more than 1,000 residents from Webuye East Constituency, Wetang’ula urged former presidents to act as statesmen and support national unity instead of engaging in divisive politics.

The delegation comprised elders, opinion leaders, women, youth and other stakeholders from the constituency.

Wetang’ula said it was regrettable that Uhuru appeared to be aligning himself with leaders opposed to President William Ruto’s administration instead of offering guidance and stability.

“When a country goes astray, we expect senior leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, to help restore order. But how can you do that when you appear biased, always complaining and calling people names?” Wetang’ula posed.

The Speaker urged Uhuru to emulate former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel arap Moi, whom he said allowed succeeding governments to operate without interference.

“We respect you as a retired president, but respect goes both ways. Former Presidents Kibaki and Moi allowed you to serve peacefully. In the same spirit, allow the current president to serve,” he said.

Webuye East MP Martin Pepela echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, urging Uhuru to accord Ruto the same political goodwill he once received.

“President Ruto supported you for many years. Out of respect for the nation and the respect he gave you, allow him to serve Kenyans,” Pepela said.

Wetang’ula also rallied Bungoma residents to support Ruto’s bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election, arguing that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of ongoing development projects.

“The work will continue if we support the President’s second-term bid. We are working together with UDA in Kenya Kwanza and ODM under the broad-based government arrangement. Our message is two terms,” he said.

The Speaker further declared his own presidential ambitions for 2032, after what he described as Ruto’s expected second term.

“My people, let us work together to ensure Ruto gets a second term in 2027, then in 2032 we will rise to the occasion,” he said.

Despite rising political competition in Bungoma County ahead of the 2027 polls, Pepela urged residents to work closely with leaders from other regions to strengthen their political bargaining power.

“If you want to go far, walk with others. For us to succeed as a constituency, we must work with others,” he said.

Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga also called for unity among leaders, saying cooperation was key to development.

“We want leaders who unite people. People who reason together walk the journey together,” he said.

Residents at the meeting commended Wetang’ula for backing reforms in the sugar sector, which they said had helped revive struggling sugar factories. However, they raised concerns over irregular cane harvesting practices by millers and investors, saying the situation was causing losses to farmers.

Responding to the concerns, Wetang’ula said he had already engaged MPs and investors to address the issue.

“We do not want selective harvesting. Farmers must benefit fairly. This irregular system of permits and harvesting must end,” he said.

He also defended government reforms in the sugar sector, dismissing criticism from opponents.

“I was accused of selling Nzoia Sugar, yet it is now operational and farmers are being paid within seven days. Let us ignore the noisemakers,” he said.

The Speaker assured residents that leaders would not be imposed on them and that wananchi would freely elect leaders of their choice.