Musalia Mudavadi accuses Raila Odinga of insulting the Luhya

Musalia Mudavadi

Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi has criticised Raila Odinga over his alleged reference to the Luhya community as foolish.

Musalia expressed shock at the Opposition leader's remarks during his Western region tour, saying he was adding insult to injury after the humiliation the Luhya community had undergone to back Raila.

"Is this his gratitude for the support he has been given? So the Luhya are wajinga (foolish)? Was this truly the same Raila the community has supported for over a decade or a reincarnated Joseph Kamotho of the 'watchmen and cooks' fame?" he posed. But Raila, through Head of CORD Secretariat Norman Magaya, refuted claims he had insulted the Luhya community.

Mr Magaya termed Mudavadi's claims as "unfortunate and hopelessly opportunistic".

He further said at no single moment did Raila insult the Luhya community, given the strong roots between his (Luo) community and the Western region.

"Let it be known that one of the biggest problems bedevilling our nation today is the politics of tribalism and exclusion visited on us by the Jubilee leadership. The doctrine of tribalism and exclusion is a political tool crafted and wielded by Jubilee. We must rise to the occasion and avoid falling for this trap," said Magaya.

In the tour, Raila is said to have referred to those 'dividing' the Luhya votes as 'foolish', but not the entire community.

"To hold the community in ridicule and treat its members with condescending contempt is least expected of Raila. As a community we feel we have been irreparably violated by Raila," said Musalia.

"It is least expected that Raila will join the company of Deputy President William Ruto who lately leads the dangerous trend of stripping the community of its human dignity," he added. Musalia said gone were the days when leaders would hold the Western community in political servitude.

"Western is not an extension of other people's political agenda. Mulembe nation and unity will thrive," he reiterated.