By Bonface Mulyungi

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has stirred fresh political debate after urging leaders from Nyanza and Western Kenya to begin early political realignment aimed at producing the country’s next president in 2032.

‎Mbadi said it was time for other regions outside the traditional power centres to unite and position themselves for the presidency after 2027.

‎“Nyanza and Western, tutakaa chini tujipange after 2027 as we progress to 2032,” he said.

‎He said the two regions must also produce a president when President William Ruto concludes his final term in office.

‎”It cannot be that 65 years after independence there are only two communities which have produced presidents of this country,” he stated in remarks that are likely to fuel national political conversation ahead of the next election cycle.

‎Mbadi noted that since independence, Kenya’s presidency has largely alternated between leaders from the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities, arguing that it was time for other regions to be considered in national leadership.

“Kikuyus and Kalenjins have produced presidents of this country. We must tell them 2032, we don’t want to see a Kikuyu or a Kalenjin. We must allow other communities. We are 42 communities in this country, and each one of us has the capacity, competence and ability to lead this country,” he said.

‎He further claimed that several political leaders from Western Kenya already have ambitions for the top seat, naming key figures in the political landscape.

‎“I know Speaker Wetang’ula has ambitions, I know Musalia Mudavadi has ambitions, I also have ambitions, Wanga has ambitions and others also have ambitions,” Mbadi stated.

‎The Treasury CS called for early political consultations among leaders from the region, insisting that unity would be key in mounting a serious presidential bid in future elections.

‎“We must sit down and plan properly. If we are serious, then we must start now, not later,” he said.

‎Mbadi’s remarks are expected to generate political ripples, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, which is already seen as positioning itself for a possible presidential succession bid after President William Ruto’s expected second term concludes in 2032.

‎The remarks also come amid growing early political realignments across the country, as leaders quietly position themselves ahead of 2027.

‎ODM has been pushing to have the position of the deputy president ahead of 2027 in exchange for their support for President Ruto.