Papa wa Roma: The Man Who Refuses to Learn – Is This Moses Wetangula’s End?
Moses Masika Wetangula, popularly known as Papa wa Roma, remains a dominant political figure from the western region of the country. Despite being considered an influential leader, his unwavering grip on the Ford Kenya party has sparked widespread criticism. Observers liken his persistence to that of a tick, firmly attached to a host.
Even after a court ruling declared that he could not simultaneously serve as Speaker of the National Assembly and the party leader of Ford Kenya, Wetangula has chosen to defy the verdict, continuing to hold both positions. This defiance has placed him in a precarious position, attracting scrutiny and legal battles.
One of the most contentious issues surrounding Wetangula is his stance on the National Assembly’s majority and minority leadership. The judiciary had ruled on the matter, but he dismissed the decision, insisting that the majority coalition was, in fact, the minority. Legal experts argue that only a court of similar or higher jurisdiction can overturn judicial pronouncements, yet Wetangula took it upon himself to challenge the ruling. Critics argue that his actions undermine the rule of law and demonstrate impunity, a trait deeply rooted in the political culture of leaders shaped by the former ruling party, KANU.
Impunity, as described by analysts, manifests when individuals believe they are above the law, perceiving themselves as invincible. Wetangula’s defiance, they say, stems from a KANU-era mentality that cultivated a disregard for judicial authority. Such behavior, they warn, ultimately leads to severe consequences, as history has shown that impunity is always met with retribution in due course.
A Tactical Miscalculation
Had Wetangula accepted the court ruling and allowed the process to unfold naturally, his coalition would have retained its strength in Parliament. By November, the political parties that sought to leave the opposition coalition would have been legally free to do so. Instead, his refusal to comply with the ruling resulted in unnecessary political turmoil. Analysts argue that his failure to recognize this simple reality was a strategic blunder driven by arrogance. Rather than waiting for the natural course of events, he made a rash decision that backfired.
If he had obeyed the ruling and allowed the opposition leader to assume the majority role temporarily, the overall balance of power would have remained unaffected. His coalition, Kenya Kwanza, already had the numbers on the ground, and within a short period, they would have reclaimed their majority status. Yet, his disregard for legal processes has now placed him in a vulnerable position, exposing him to potential impeachment threats and political isolation.
Wetangula’s defiance has led to growing discontent among lawmakers. Members of the opposition have threatened to withdraw from the House Business Committee, further complicating parliamentary proceedings. Additionally, efforts to impeach him have been initiated, though the Speaker of the National Assembly has rejected such motions. Political analysts, however, predict that Wetangula’s time in power is limited, as impunity is often met with severe political repercussions.
His political career, they argue, is nearing its end. While he has clung to Ford Kenya as his political lifeline, many believe the party itself is merely a village-level entity with no national significance. Unlike other leaders who have made strategic moves to align with larger political formations, Wetangula has stubbornly held onto a dwindling power base, limiting his future prospects.
Clinging to a Weak Political Party
Critics question why Wetangula remains so attached to Ford Kenya, a party they argue lacks national influence. Some political observers suggest that his insistence on retaining the party leadership is a misguided attempt to maintain control over local politics in the western region. Unlike former Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, who accepted the reality that his party had no future and merged with the ruling UDA, Wetangula remains fixated on a party with little impact beyond his home turf.
True political strategists, analysts say, understand that holding onto small, fragmented parties limits their ambitions. If Wetangula were thinking on a larger scale, he would relinquish Ford Kenya’s leadership and position himself for greater political opportunities. Instead, his focus on minor political battles demonstrates a lack of vision, preventing him from ascending to national leadership.
Political experts argue that Wetangula’s mindset has hindered his growth. While the position of Speaker of the National Assembly is prestigious, it pales in comparison to the ultimate goal of political power—the presidency.
Those with grand ambitions, they say, do not celebrate small victories but rather use them as stepping stones to bigger achievements. President William Ruto, for example, had his sights set on the presidency from an early stage, carefully planning his rise to power. In contrast, Wetangula appears satisfied with his current position, failing to leverage it for greater influence.
Leadership, they argue, requires the ability to think big and make calculated moves. If Wetangula had been strategic, he would have placed a loyal ally at the helm of Ford Kenya while focusing on a more significant national role. Instead, his fear of relinquishing control exposes his political insecurities and lack of long-term vision.
The Future of Western Kenya Politics
With the western political landscape evolving, Wetangula’s position is increasingly being challenged. Emerging leaders like Eugene Wamalwa and Fernandes Barasa are gaining traction, while Wetangula appears stuck in outdated political maneuvering. Analysts believe that if he continues on this path, he risks becoming irrelevant in the region’s power dynamics.
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A true political heavyweight, they argue, must consolidate power not only through party leadership but also by uniting regional leaders and maintaining strong national alliances. Wetangula’s reluctance to step beyond Ford Kenya’s confines limits his influence, allowing others to overshadow him. If he fails to adapt, his political downfall may be imminent.
Conclusion: The Unfolding Political Drama
The coming months will determine Wetangula’s political fate. Will he recognize the shifting landscape and make strategic moves, or will he continue to cling to outdated tactics? One thing remains certain—impunity, if left unchecked, eventually leads to downfall. As the political tides shift, only time will tell whether Papa wa Roma can navigate the storm or if he will be swept away by the forces of change.
Papa wa Roma: The Man Who Refuses to Learn – Is This Moses Wetangula’s End?
