National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula has claimed he is the best suited leader from Western Kenya to succeed President William Ruto.

Wetangula, who is also Ford Kenya leader, said serving as third in command in the Kenya kwanza administration puts him in a better chance to inherit President Ruto.

He believes Ruto will win a second term and later set the stage for him to ascend to the country’s top office.

Speaking in Kikwameti village Trans Nzoia when he condoled the family of former Sikhendu MCA Eric Musumba who was buried last week, Wetangula claimed that he had been endorsed by political heavyweights from the Luhya community to chase for the top seat.

“I am the senior most leader from Western region, and the position I hold in the government as the third in command puts me in a better chance to succeed President Ruto,” said Wetangula.

Some of the strategies to advance his presidential ambitions include ensuring that all students in the region who have attended the age 18 acquire national identity.

“I have talked to principals in the region to ensure students eligible for national IDs are facilitated to acquire them,” he said.

He is also optimistic of pushing through the quest t unite the Luhya community.

Wetangula told off those dismissing his quest for presidency, terming them enemy of the Luhya nation.

“I am not interested in the governor’s seat. It is a small position. My level now is senior, and I am eyeing the presidency. So stop fighting me,” he said.

Wetangula rooted for unity of the Western region, arguing it was a solution to both economic and political problems facing the region.

He lashed out at leaders opposed to President William Ruto’s decision to remove some of the requirements on Kenyans seeking to acquire the national identification cards.

“Why should a Kenyan be denied the right to acquire ID. It is dishonest for leaders to oppose the move by the president to remove some restrictions that have been frustrating Kenyan youths from securing the document,” he added.

Wetangula also denied accusations labelled against him by former party officials of using and dumping them.

During Musumba’s burial last week, Wetangula came under heavy ciriticism by former FK MCAs, Benard Muganda (Motosiet), Daniel Kaburu (Sinyenyere) and Saboti parliamentary aspirant Joseph Pepela of managing the party as personal property.