Is the Luhyia Community trading in dangerous waters politically?
There have been early signs that the Community has already made a political statement and thrown it’s weight behind Deputy President William Ruto.
Leaders from the community like Boni Khalwale and CS Rashid Echesa have been transversing various parts of the larger Western Region as part of Ruto’s now famous Tanga Tanga movement in a bid to sell and popularize Ruto’s bid.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa has however come out to caution the Luhyia from endorsing Ruto at this stage. His sentiments have been echoed by Bungoma Senator Wycliffe Wangamati who has said the community first needs to unite before declaring support for any hopeful.
“If we want to be respected as the Mulembe community and make any impact in 2022, we must first come together before partnering with others, otherwise we will just end up being a laughingstock,” he said.
Wangamati said he has no problem supporting the DP but wants him to engage the community properly.
“I met the Deputy President William Ruto and told him the only way to engage Western Kenya meaningfully is through a structured way,” he said.
“We need to unite so that we get our deserved share in the next government. We must put up a united front,” he said.
Eugene said it is too early for the community to declare support for any presidential hopeful, adding more consultations should be made.
“Like the Governor said, winning coalitions are crafted just months to the election. Let us focus on working for our people,” he said.
Eugene said the community should speak in one voice so that it gets its rightful space in the national arena.
“When the time for politics comes, I and my brothers Musalia and Wetang’ula will definitely give direction. For now, it is too early to endorse anyone,” he said.
The Western Region has for a long time been regarded as an opposition stronghold but even at this, the region has never casted its votes in one basket.
With Ruto making advances to the people of the region, it remains to be seen how Raila Odinga will move to also make a major statement in the region.
Do you think that the Luhyia Nation can for once unite and speak one political voice?