Trans Nzoia, Kenya: The elusive Luhya unity and the proposed referendum dominated speeches during the anniversary of former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa in Trans Nzoia County on Saturday.
Ford-Kenya leader Moses wetangula and New Ford-Kenya Eugene Wamalwa differed over the referendum, with Eugene insisting that what the Opposition is agitating can be changed by Parliament.
Wetangula argued that there are some sections of the Constitution that can be amended by Members of Parliament while others required the endorsement of Kenyans. Speakers stated the need for Wetangula, Wamalwa and Musalia Mudavadi to put aside their party politics and pursue a common political agenda.
MPs from Western Province led by John Waluke explained the importance of the community uniting to support one presidential candidate in the 2017 General Election. Lugari MP Ayub Savula paraded Mudavadi, Wetangula and Wamalwa and demanded that they hold hands and declare their willingness to bury their political differences and unite the community.
External forces
Dr Wamalwa and Janet Nangabo argued that lack of unity among Luhya leaders had denied the community the opportunity to ascend to power. Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwabu challenged the leaders to play sincere politics and act together, adding that disrespect among leaders works against the community’s dream to take power in the country.
“The luhya community is the most populous, we have numbers and political strength and we must act together to advance our political agenda,” he said.
He warned the leaders against allowing external forces to divide the community and curtail the political course, arguing that the other communities belittle leaders from the region.
“We must employ sincerity and as brothers let us make a declaration that we are not going to allow ourselves to be used by external forces and spoil our chance to make to the presidency,” he warned. He said some people are taking advantage of the disunity in the community to instigate war among leaders.
He invited all leaders present to make a commitment to a common political agenda.
Political rivalry between Musikari Kombo who lost in the Bungoma senatorial by-election and current Senator Wetangula played out during the anniversary ceremony.
Kombo, who contested for the Senator’s position on a United Democratic Front ticket snubbed Wetangula, an issue that was met with condemnation and ire from the crowd that had attended the event.
The former nominated MP who arrived after Senator Wetangula shook hands with two elders before walking past Wetangula and Trans-Nzoia governor Patrick Khaemba, amid murmuring from the crowd over his action.
Irked by Kombo’s action, the crowd shouted and criticised the former minister. Cleopus Malala, the Deputy Speaker of Kakamega said it was shameful and hypocrical for leaders to pretend to pay tribute the former VP yet they cannot shake hands.
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