A political rift within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) played out publicly in Mumias East on Saturday after National Biosafety Authority Board Chairman and UDA parliamentary aspirant David Wamatsi boycotted an economic empowerment forum presided over by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula.
The empowerment event, held in Shianda Town, was organised by former Mumias East MP and UDA parliamentary aspirant Benjamin Washiali.
Wamatsi stayed away from the event, accusing the organisers of sidelining his supporters from the list of beneficiaries. He maintained that he would not participate in a government programme that excluded people aligned to his camp.
"When I returned from China, I found that another group had already submitted the names of its beneficiaries. I told them I will not participate in any event where my people do not benefit. Let them do their thing and I will do mine. This government should benefit everyone," Wamatsi said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula with former Mumias East MP and UDA parliamentary aspirant Benjamin Washiali during an empowerment forum in Shianda, Kakamega County.
The boycott highlighted simmering divisions within UDA in Mumias East, where both Wamatsi and Washiali are positioning themselves for the party ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Despite the boycott, leaders attending the forum shifted focus to national politics, with a section of MPs allied to the broad-based government calling on President William Ruto to appoint Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as his running mate in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the boda boda empowerment drive, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa urged President Ruto to consider the Western region when selecting his deputy.
"After what happened during the Ol Kalou by-election, we urge President Ruto to shift his attention to the Western region where he is assured of getting votes," Barasa said.
As the Western region, we have resolved that Wetang'ula is our preferred candidate for the running mate position and we urge the President to consider our proposal."
The proposal was backed by Navakholo MP Emanuel Wangwe, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, Taveta MP John Nabwire, Luanda MP Dick Maungu, Teso South MP Mary Emaase and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi.
Nyakundi said Wetang'ula should be positioned to succeed President William Ruto after the completion of his second term, while Mugabe argued that the Speaker deserved recognition for his role in campaigning for the President's re-election.
Responding to the calls, Wetang'ula said he was ready for the political journey towards the 2032 General Election.
"After successfully completing President Ruto's journey, I am ready to take over from him, and I hope the community will rally behind me," Wetang'ula said.
The Speaker, however, cautioned first-term Members of Parliament against declaring presidential ambitions prematurely, warning that such moves could derail their political careers.
The leaders also urged eligible Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying about 1.5 million citizens with national identity cards are yet to enlist.
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