Moses Wetang’ula’s 40-Year Journey in Public Service
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Moses Masika Wetang’ula, born on September 13, 1956, is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer and veteran politician currently serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
He is the third-highest-ranking official in the Kenyan government hierarchy after being elected to the position on Thursday, September 8, 2022, during the First Sitting of the National Assembly of the 13th Parliament.
Political Leadership
Wetang’ula is the long-standing Party Leader of FORDA-Kenya, a cornerstone political party with deep roots and significant influence, particularly in the Western region of Kenya.
As a founding principal of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the current administration of President William Ruto.
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Education and Early Life
The speaker attended Nalondo Primary School, Busakala Secondary School, Teremi Secondary School, and Friends School Kamusinga
He graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree
After graduating in October 1981, he then joined the Kenya School of Law (KSL), where the coup found him.
He was a member of the Board of Directors of ICROSS Kenya from 1989 until he became Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Political career
For forty years, Hon. Speaker Wetang’ula has been involved in public service.
He started working in the judiciary in 1982 as a magistrate and held positions in Kithimani, Machakos, Kisii, and Rongo, among other stations around the nation. Notably, Hon. Wetangula joined the judiciary concurrently with Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH, and his immediate predecessor.
Wetang’ula was nominated to the 7th Parliament (1993–1997) in 1993, marking the start of his political career. Between 1993 and 2013, he represented the Sirisia Constituency in the National Assembly for five total terms. From 2013 to 2022, he was a senator for Bungoma.
He was a member of the House Business Committee, the Committee on Defense & Foreign Relations, and the Speaker’s Panel (Temporary Deputy Speaker) during his first term as Nominated Member. He actively participated in the CPA Executive Committee as well.
He oversaw several changes to the House’s procedural rules during the 7th Parliament and led Kenya’s delegation to the African, Caribbean, and Pacific-European Union Joint Assembly (ACP-EU, JPA).Also Read: David Wakoli: From Classroom Teacher to Senate Leader
Wetang’ula was the Senate Minority Leader and a member of the Senate Business Committee during his first term in the Senate (2013–2022) and a portion of his second term as a Bungoma County senator.
He held several cabinet positions before 2013.
Wetang’ula chaired the African Union Peace & Security Council and was the Minister for Trade from 2011 to 2013.
He served as Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2004 to 2007.
Wetang’ula was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in January 2008 under President Mwai Kibaki’s Government of National Unity, a position he held until late 2010.
He also served again briefly from August 2011 until early 2012.
Wetang’ula stepped down as Minister for Foreign Affairs on 27 October 2010 due to an investigation into his alleged involvement in the Kenyan Tokyo embassy scandal.
He was considered to serve as Minority Leader of the Senate of Kenya, representing the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy after winning an election to the Senate.
Wetangula retained his Bungoma senate seat in the August 2022 Kenyan general election, winning by a landslide. However, he resigned shortly after from that position in order to vie for the position of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya.
Family and Personal Life
Background and Siblings Moses Wetang’ula comes from a family with deep roots in public service and business. He is the son of Mzee Dominic Wetang’ula, a respected retired teacher from Nalondo, Bungoma County.
The family has a notable political presence in Kenya:
- Tim Wanyonyi Wetang’ula: His younger brother, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Westlands Constituency in Nairobi.
- Fred Wetang’ula: A prominent businessman based in Nairobi.
- The Late Tony Waswa Wetang’ula.
- Emmeryncian Naswa: His younger sister.
Marital Life The Speaker is a polygamous man, as is common among many high-ranking traditional and political figures in the region. His spouses include Ann Wacheke Wetang’ula and Phyllis Wetang’ula. While he maintains these family ties, he is reported to live separately from Phyllis.
Children Wetang’ula has a large family, with several of his children pursuing high-achieving careers:
- Fidel Wetang’ula:
- Sheila Wetang’ula:
- Tamara Wetang’ula: A professional Civil Engineer.
- Alvin Habwe Wetang’ula: A Civil Engineer who was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Kenya Railways Corporation.
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A photo of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula Chairing a house session