Farouk Kibet Endorses Moses Wetangula for 2032 Presidency
President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has endorsed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula as a potential successor to the president in 2032, while dismissing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s presidential ambitions and drawing attention to the emerging political contest in Western Kenya.
President William Ruto’s close aide Farouk Kibet has publicly backed National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula for the presidency in 2032, provided Ruto wins re-election in 2027 and completes another term.
Kibet argued that Wetangula’s long experience in politics makes him a suitable candidate to succeed Ruto, signalling support for the Speaker as politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential succession contest.
The presidential aide also took aim at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, questioning his experience and readiness to seek the country’s top office.
“You can’t be born today and become president; it is not possible. Wetang’ula has been around for a long time. He is ripe and ready to be president after William Ruto. We are saying this openly during the day and even at night,” Kibet said.
Why Farouk Kibet is backing Moses Wetangula
Kibet’s endorsement comes amid growing political competition over who could succeed Ruto when his current constitutional term ends, assuming he secures another term in the 2027 General Election.
Wetangula, who has served in senior political positions over several decades, is being presented by his supporters as an experienced contender for the presidency.
Other prominent figures mentioned in the succession debate include Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The report also identifies Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi among politicians associated with possible succession discussions.
However, Kibet’s public endorsement does not, on its own, establish that Wetangula has secured Ruto’s backing or that the Speaker has formally declared a presidential bid.
Analyst links endorsement to Western Kenya politics
Political analyst Weswa Biketi suggested that Kibet’s remarks could be part of a strategy to strengthen Wetangula’s political standing in Western Kenya, particularly in Bungoma County.
Wetangula and Sifuna both have political roots in Bungoma, making the region a potential area of competition as politicians build support ahead of future elections.
“I see it as a well-calculated political strategy to entice the people of Bungoma to see the National Assembly Speaker as a man so close to power that they would rather rally behind him than gamble with Sifuna. Remember, Sifuna and Wetangula hail from Bungoma, a county that arguably tilted the political scales in favour of Ruto in 2022,” Biketi said.
The analyst’s interpretation suggests that the endorsement may have implications beyond the national succession debate, particularly in the contest for influence among leaders from Western Kenya.
The suggestion remains political analysis rather than confirmation of an agreed strategy by Ruto or his allies.
Wetangula’s remarks fuel speculation about Ruto’s support
Wetangula also appeared to interpret an earlier interaction with Ruto as a positive signal regarding his political future.
According to the report, the Speaker recalled an Eldoret rally at which the president invited him to address the crowd last, after Ruto had spoken.
Wetangula said the audience briefly fell silent after his address before responding with cheers and applause. He interpreted the reception as a possible indication of support for his future ambitions.
The account, however, does not establish that Ruto explicitly endorsed Wetangula for the presidency.
Susan Nakhumicha previously backed Wetangula
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha had also backed Wetangula as a potential successor to Ruto earlier in 2026, according to the report.
Nakhumicha, who is seeking to become Trans Nzoia governor, argued that the time had come for Western Kenya to produce a president.
Wetangula did not directly address the succession question on that occasion. Instead, he spoke about insecurity and cases of goonism, urging security agencies to address the situation.
Kibet’s latest remarks add to the public discussion about potential contenders for the presidency after 2027. Whether Wetangula will formally pursue the position, and whether Ruto will publicly support his candidacy, remain questions to be established through further statements and verified developments.
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