We shall make alliances with President Uhuru, Western leaders affirm

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula dancing with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi during Maragoli Cultural Festivals at Mbale. [Benjamin Sakwa/Standard]

Some leaders from Western region have ruled out an alliance with Deputy President William Ruto in the 2022 succession politics.

The leaders said they would only negotiate with President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga to support a candidate from the Mulembe nation for the presidency.

They spoke on Wednesday during the 39th edition of the Maragoli Cultural Festival.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions Secretary General Francis Atwoli said only Uhuru and Raila were ideal to form an alliance in the quest to have a Luhya become president.

“We cannot waste our time negotiating with Mr Ruto since he doesn’t have the instruments of power,” said Mr Atwoli.

He said the region is capable of producing a president but leaders have not been speaking in one voice during campaigns.

Front door

Amani National Congress (ANC) Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi said the region cannot negotiate for power with 'Number Two' when 'Number One' is in office.

“Even when you want something from someone, you go directly to that person, not his son. We will occupy State House in 2022 using the front door and not any other,” said Mudavadi.

He said the leaders would unite to ensure the region produces one candidate to go for the top seat.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula said time had come for the region to forge strong alliances with leaders from other regions.

Mr Wetang’ula, who is also the Ford Kenya party leader, said they would bring all leaders on board.

“Our brother Wycliffe Oparanya has also declared interests in presidency, he will also be involved in negotiations to ensure that we don’t lock out anybody. It is time we form a strong indivisible team to capture power in 2022,” said Wetang’ula.

All votes

He said whoever will be lucky would be supported by other leaders to ensure that all votes are cast in one basket.

The event was attended by Jubilee Party vice chairman David Murathe and former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando who hinted at supporting a candidate from Western.