National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called on emerging political leaders from the Western region to embrace respect and humility.
He warned that public confrontations with senior politicians are eroding the community’s unity and political progress.
Speaking during the official commissioning of a modern computer lab and classrooms at Namasoli Secondary School and Shirotsa Comprehensive School in Khwisero Constituency—projects funded by Huawei Technologies Kenya—Wetang’ula decried what he described as a “growing culture of disrespect” among first-time MPs and youthful politicians.
“I have seen young leaders, some just starting their parliamentary journey, hurling insults at senior leaders in public. This will not earn them political mileage,” said Wetang’ula. “We were once in their position, but we chose to respect those ahead of us, and that is what helped us grow politically.”
The Speaker emphasised that political leadership is a journey built on patience, mentorship, and unity—not raw ambition.
Wetang’ula cautioned against the rush for political power, urging the region’s younger leaders to learn the value of timing and wisdom in leadership.
“The impatience we are seeing is dangerous. Climbing the political ladder takes time, experience, and most importantly, wisdom,” he added.
Wetang’ula also reiterated his commitment to fostering unity among the Luhya community, underscoring that internal divisions among leaders — not voters—continue to hinder the region’s long-standing aspiration to capture the presidency.
“It’s not the people who are divided. It’s us, the leaders. We must take responsibility and come together,” he said.
During the same event, several Western Kenya MPs called on Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to consolidate their ambitions and agree on a single presidential flagbearer for the region ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We are asking Wetang’ula, Oparanya, and Mudavadi to sit down and agree on who among them will lead us to State House,” said Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera. “If they don’t, we will mobilise the community to make that decision for them.”
Other leaders backing the call included Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini), John Waluke (Sirisia), and Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, all of whom emphasised the need for a united political front if the Luhya community is to realise its national leadership ambitions.
