National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has openly urged Eugene Wamalwa to abandon the united opposition and join leaders supporting President William Ruto, arguing that unity among Luhya leaders is key to boosting political influence in Western Kenya.
Wetangula made the appeal on Saturday, January 24, 2026, during the burial of former councillor Johnstone Barasa Murunga in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.
Wamalwa was present at the event as the Speaker delivered the message publicly, turning the funeral into a moment of sharp political significance.
The Speaker announced a renewed cooperation pact bringing together himself, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
According to Wetangula, the alliance is aimed at strengthening support for President Ruto in Western Kenya and positioning the Mulembe Nation as a serious force ahead of future succession talks, including the 2032 elections.
Wetangula said long-standing divisions among Luhya leaders have weakened the region’s bargaining power.
He insisted that presenting a united political front would not only help consolidate the Luhya vote but also attract development and respect at the national level.
The emerging alliance links Ford Kenya leaders with former political rivals who are now working within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Oparanya, a senior ODM figure, has already crossed over to collaborate with the government, while Mudavadi currently serves as Prime Cabinet Secretary and plays a key role in connecting the administration to Western Kenya.
Wamalwa, who has often aligned himself with opposition politics and youth-driven movements, was challenged by Wetangula to rethink his political path. The Speaker warned that constant confrontations and hostile rhetoric only slow down progress for the people of the region.
Addressing young people who actively engage in politics online, Wetangula urged restraint and responsible communication.
He appealed for messages of peace and purpose, saying constructive voices can help strengthen unity and cooperation among leaders.
As is often the case in Kenyan politics, funeral gatherings provided a platform for political messaging, with the Kiminini event becoming a stage for calls for unity and realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts say the renewed push for unity is part of wider efforts to secure Western Kenya votes early while shaping influence beyond President Ruto’s term.
All eyes are now on Eugene Wamalwa, whose response is expected to signal the next direction for Luhya politics as the region enters a busy political season.
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Politics