National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has been installed as head of the Wetang’ula family following the death of his elder brother, a veteran teacher James Mukhwana, who passed away after a long illness.
The late Mukhwana is also a brother to Westland MP Tim Wanyonyi and politician Fred Wetang’ula.
The installation took place on Friday December 19, 2025 during the burial ceremony held at the family home.
The Speaker’s father, Dominic Wetang’ula, took centre stage to confer the responsibility of family leadership to his son, citing age and loss of the first-born.
“I am now 98 years old. Your elder brother James Mukhwana is no more. Therefore, I am giving you this mandate to lead the people standing before you, to guide and unite them,” Dominic Wetang’ula said.
The elderly patriarch described the late James Mukhwana as an obedient, respectful and hardworking son whose contribution to the teaching profession and to the family would be deeply missed.
“My son was a very hardworking individual. His demise is a great blow not only to the family but also to the county and the country at large,” he said.
In his address to mourners, Speaker Wetang’ula paid glowing tribute to his late brother, describing him as a peacemaker who played a key role in supporting and holding the family together.
“My brother was a pillar in this family, a man who believed in dialogue, unity and supporting others to grow. His wisdom and calm nature will be greatly missed,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker also used the occasion to make a political appeal, calling on leaders from the Western region to rally behind him, arguing that the region’s time had come to produce the country’s top leadership.
“For many years, others have used our shoulders to climb to higher positions. Our time is coming so that we can also use their shoulders to ascend to the highest seat in the land,” he said.
Several national and regional leaders attended the burial ceremony to stand in solidarity with the family.
Among them were Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, MPs Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), John Makali (Kanduyi), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo among others.
