Western politics could be headed for some dramatic transformation and turning point if they reach an agreement

Bonny Khalwale                        Paul Otuoma                            Moses Wetang’ula                 Amos Wako                              Musalia Mudavadi

By Stephen Makabila

Nairobi, Kenya: Western politics could be headed for some dramatic transformation and turning point if “an accord” hammered by local MPs holds.

A private meeting held by about 25 MPs from the former Western Province in Nairobi, and which The Standard on Sunday has exclusive insights on, came up with a “collective accord” to discard party political divisions and champion the region’s development course.

Eight other MPs who failed to turn up for the meeting had their apologies delivered, pushing the number of those supportive of the concurrence to 33.

“Politically, we are finished, we have nothing in government. At no time, my brothers, have we lowered the dignity of our people so much and this is time to rise up, take a position and save them,” Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, who was the master of ceremony, threw the bomb-shell.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa called the meeting to order at around 8pm in a hotel off-Valley Road.

The leaders unanimously resolved to ensure Western region is not used as a ladder by other regions to gain power, only for it to be sidelined in the sharing of positions.

Dr Khalwale, who set the mood of the meeting held on March 19, said it was time elected leaders from the region worked as a team, noting that Luhya unity should not be about politics but economic empowerment as well.

“We have to work as a team, consult widely and support Bills in both houses that are of benefit to our people, such as the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) Bill,” he said.

The meeting, convened strictly for sitting legislators from the region, was attended by MPs and Senators from UDF, Ford-Kenya, New Ford-Kenya and ODM.

Amani Coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi, who did not attend because he is not a sitting leader, said, “Brilliant initiative! They need to bond beyond political party lines”.

Working caucus

 “It is unfortunate that it is only Western that has never had a working caucus or parliamentary group in the history of various parliaments. I often marvel at the ability of other MPs to rally regional causes as a team despite party affiliation. Central, for instance, has never had homogeneity of party representation but always pull together. My hope is this initiative will lead to a strong caucus devoid of personality and personal interests. I will encourage that,” Mudavadi told The Standard on Sunday.

Ford-Kenya nominated MP who doubles up as the chairman of the Luhya Elders Forum, Mzee Patrick Wangamati, is credited to have rallied the MPs together to attend the meeting.

Ford-Kenya party leader and Senate Minority leader, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, Funyula MP, Paul Otuoma and Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu were among some of the senior politicians present.

Busia Senator Amos Wako, who is scheduled to co-host the next meeting with Wangamati, sent apologies alongside Senators ole Ndiema (Trans-Nzoia County) and Catherine Mukite.

In what could be a pointer to ODM politics playing out, Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, angling to become party Secretary general, was not present and did not send apologies, while Otuoma, who wants to be chairman in a rival faction, played a key role at the meeting.

Others in attendance included MPs Suleiman Murunga, Dr Eseli Simiyu, Dan Wanyama, Wafula Wamunyinyi, John Bunyasi, Florence Mutua, Michael Onyura, Dorcas Kedego, Charles Gimose, Dr Wilber Otichilo, Ferdinand Wanyonyi and Benjamin Washiali.

The others are Emanuel Wangwe, Lisamula Anami, Ayub Savula, Benjamin Andola, Moses Malulu, Tim Wanyonyi, and Raphael Otaalo.

MPs Benard Shinali, Rachael Ameso, Andrew Toboso, Johnson Sakaja and Chris Omululu had their apologies delivered at the meeting.

Apart from Namwamba, another key politician from the region who kept off without any apology was Vihiga county senator George Khaniri.

Wetang’ula told the leaders to have a firm stand on issues of national importance to gain some level of respect.

He supported calls for regular meetings by leaders from the region, and offered that his spacious office be used instead of leaders hiring hotels to meet and consult.

Political scheming

“We have to prepare and get organised as a community to gain respect from others. Unless we strategise, others will keep using us to capture power and abandon us when sharing positions in government,” said Wetang’ula.

The Bungoma senator also raised the issue of voter registration as the best strategy, saying efforts have to be made to marshal resources at all costs to ensure people register as voters.

On economic empowerment, Wetang’ula said micro-finance should be supported by governors and have it operate as a bank in the shortest time possible.

Otuoma asked the leaders present to look at the positive side of the unity initiative, other than scouting for negativities.

He said his experience in government when he served as minister awakened him to the fact that some things have to be achieved by political scheming and pushing.

Otuoma thanked Wangamati for leading the unity initiative and promised to offer his support and ensure the Luhya community and Western region are respected.

Wangamati said economic empowerment should be a priority, and that when it is achieved, then the region’s political standing will improve significantly.

“We need to be meeting regularly to assess our economic and political standing in the country. Elders are of the view that leaders develop a culture of communication amongst themselves,” added Wangamati.

It was resolved that the leaders be meeting every third Wednesday of each month, and that governors be invited for the next meeting. The leaders also resolved to take the message of unity to all Western residents in their other engagements.

Coincidentally, the Nairobi meeting came four days ahead of Deputy President William Ruto’s tour of Western province last Sunday, where he presided over Shinali’s home coming fete in Ikolomani.

It was a follow-up to an earlier meeting in Butere, where leaders who were drawn from the five counties in Western, reiterated that they have the capability to seek one political dimension for the region.

Vihiga Governor Moses Akaranga, who is the chairman of Western Governor’s forum, had then noted that the region requires unity in tackling development and political matters.