Willis Otieno slams Wetang’ula over call for Luhyas to back Ruto in 2027
By Mustafa Juma, August 3, 2025Political commentator and constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has sharply criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over his recent remarks urging the Luhya community to rally behind President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking earlier in the week, Wetang’ula had called on the Mulembe nation to unite and support President Ruto’s second-term ambitions, suggesting that doing so would strengthen the community’s chances of producing a future president.
“I urge our community to rally behind Ruto’s second-term bid in 2027 so that we can make this vision a reality. Our numerical strength as a people places us in a strong position in the race to succeed him. I have observed that if we remain united and stand firmly behind the President to secure a second term, it would motivate him to consider handing over the mantle to one of our own,” Wetang’ula stated.
Promoting ethnic politics
However, Otieno, in a statement shared via his official X account in the wee hours of Sunday, August 3, 2025, dismissed the statement as retrogressive and devoid of ideological grounding.
“Without ethnicity, they are empty. No ideology, no policy, no plan. It’s time to rise above tribe and unite in pain, in purpose, and in power,” Otieno stated.
He further accused Wetang’ula and like-minded leaders of promoting ethnic politics for personal gain while ignoring the pressing national issues such as economic recovery, public debt, and governance reforms.
With the 2027 elections slowly taking shape, the exchange highlights the growing tension between traditional political loyalties and a rising tide of citizens demanding accountability, equity, and visionary leadership across Kenya’s diverse communities.
Wetang’ula endorses Ruto
Wetang’ula has previously publicly endorsed President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during a church service in Igembe North, Meru County, on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Wetang’ula defended Ruto’s track record and called on the residents to unite behind the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The speaker said the Kenya Kwanza government, under Ruto’s leadership for the past two years, had achieved significant milestones, stating that he deserves a second term.
“Watu wa Meru, hii serikali ya William Ruto ni serikali yenu nyinyi ndio mlichangia kama wakenya wengine kupigia William Ruto kura, and it is your government, I therefore, urge the people of Meru to offer unwavering support for President Ruto’s administration since he deserves a second term based on his development record,” Wetang’ula said.
“The Kenya Kwanza government, under the stewardship of President William Ruto, has made great milestones since he took over the mantle of leadership two years ago.”