By Dorothy Musyoka
Leaders from the Western Region have unveiled a bold strategy to unify their community and elevate one of their own to the presidency by 2032.
Speaking at the burial of Peter Nasong’o Nabwera in Lugari Constituency, Kakamega County, influential figures emphasized the importance of unity to convert the region’s numerical strength into decisive political power.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa led calls for the Luhya community to leverage its position as one of Kenya’s most populous regions.
“We are the second-largest population in Kenya, yet our numbers don’t count during elections. We must change this narrative.Unity is the only path to commanding respect and securing our rightful place in national politics,” Barasa said.
He urged the region to focus on voter registration, ensuring that counties like Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia maximize their electoral potential.
“We are not just aiming for participation but dominance. By the next election, Kakamega must join the ranks of counties with over one million voters,” added Barasa.
National Assembly Speaker Wetangula’s candidacy received overwhelming support, with leaders likening him to the late President Mwai Kibaki, whose long legislative career culminated in a successful presidency.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah expressed confidence in Wetangula’s ability to rise to the highest office.
“Speaker Wetangula has served in Parliament for over 31 years, second only to Mwai Kibaki, who served for 40 years. Where did Kibaki go after Parliament? He went to State House. Wetangula can do the same,” Ichung’wah said.
“When that time comes, I hope he remembers me I could be a great deputy president,” Ichung’wah added.
Bumula MP Jack Wamboka called for unwavering support for senior leaders, urging the community to avoid internal divisions.
“We must rally behind Wetangula and stop political strangulation within our ranks,” he noted.
Wetangula echoed this sentiment, calling for structured planning and a focus on robust voter registration drives.
“Tomorrow’s strategies cannot be planned in funerals. We must organize ourselves, meet, and strategize effectively to position our region for success,” Wetangula said.
The leaders announced plans for a series of rallies and meetings across Western Kenya to foster unity and mobilize voters.
The region’s leadership is determined to ensure that every eligible voter is registered and engaged in the political process.
With this renewed push for cohesion, Western Kenya is positioning itself as a formidable force in national politics.