Over a long time, Western region has been hoping to unite for a purpose, which has been hard. In 2016, COTU secretary General Francis Atwoli endorsed Amani National Congress leader Muslaia Mudavadi as the Luhya Community Kingpin through a survey that placed him at the top as the most popular politician in the region, followed by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula.
However, the intended Unity Unity was not achieved. Governor Oparanya and Senator Wetang’ula have accused some MPs from Western of undermining efforts to unite the Luhya community.
The two leaders said it was bad for the lawmakers to traverse the region saying that Mr Wetang’ula, Mr Oparanya and Musalia Mudavadi cannot unite the community ahead of 2022 polls.
The two were speaking during the County Gala Awards ceremony in Vihiga. Wetang’ula asked the community to speak with one voice, and vote out anyone with plans to bring disunity.
He said he was in talks with Mr Mudavadi and Oparanya to see who was best suited to lead the Luhya community in 2022.
“The ‘Mulembe nation’ is united but we have a group of MPs who are spreading propaganda that the region will never speak with one voice,” said Wetang’ula.
Oparanya said Luhya MPs who line up to be sycophants of different political factions are impeding the unity drive.
“I would be a fool to insist on vying when I know either Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, Eugene Wamalwa or Ken Lusaka stands a better chance of clinching the presidency,” said Oparanya.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba said Luhyas would win the 2022 polls although they would face a myriad of challenges.
Vihiga Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi said the Luhya community wants transformational leadership.“We need to stand with each other to win the presidency,” said Dr Saisi.