BY POLITICAL REPORTER
National Assembly Speaker and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula has publicly endorsed former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as the Kenya Kwanza coalition’s preferred candidate for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, in a move expected to reshape the county’s political landscape.
Wetang’ula made the declaration during a thanksgiving ceremony for Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi at his Kapomboi home after the legislator returned from several months of medical treatment abroad.
Addressing leaders and residents, the Ford Kenya party leader said the coalition had already settled on Nakhumicha as its candidate for the governor’s race, adding that the decision was part of a broader understanding among Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties.
The event was attended by several Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Endebess MP Robert Pukose, whom Wetang’ula identified as a witness to the coalition’s agreement. Pukose also served as the master of ceremonies during the event.
Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu was among the leaders who attended the function.
Wetang’ula’s announcement followed remarks by Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, who is also eyeing the Trans Nzoia governorship. Bisau urged the Speaker to remain neutral and allow all aspirants an equal opportunity to compete for the coalition’s backing.
Responding to Bisau, Wetang’ula maintained that Ford Kenya had already made its position clear, saying the party had settled on Nakhumicha as its preferred candidate.
He added that any aspirant wishing to contest through Ford Kenya was free to join the party and seek its nomination.
The endorsement is likely to influence political realignments in Trans Nzoia, where Bisau and former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, both associated with UDA, have also expressed interest in the gubernatorial seat.
Political observers say the declaration could complicate their efforts to secure the Kenya Kwanza ticket against incumbent Governor George Natembeya, who is widely expected to seek re-election.
During the meeting, Wetang’ula and other Kenya Kwanza leaders also rallied residents to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 while calling for the election of more Kenya Kwanza leaders across Trans Nzoia.
The endorsement has sparked fresh debate over the coalition’s strategy in the county, with analysts suggesting it could shape negotiations over other elective positions, including parliamentary seats, the Senate and the Woman Representative position.
With just over a year before the General Election, Wetang’ula’s declaration signals Ford Kenya’s intention to play a central role in determining Kenya Kwanza’s political direction in Trans Nzoia as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.
