Raila in more talks with Western Kenya leaders

Opposition leader Raila Odinga and a section of legislators from Western Kenya met on Thursday night at the home of Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli in Kakamega.

Although details of what was discussed were scanty, Atwoli and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya emerged from the meeting to announce a rally on January 18 at Bukhungu Stadium to discuss the region’s political positioning ahead of 2022 and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

Others at the meeting were Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, nominated MP Wilson Sossion and a host of MCAs. Raila was with his wife Ida.

“The meeting will involve all leaders from the four counties in the former Western Province, namely Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia and Bungoma,” said Oparanya.

The ODM deputy party leader said there were other crucial matters local leaders ought to discuss and agree on.

He said during the rally, they will put emphasis on expansion of the Executive with introduction of a powerful Prime Minister post and two deputies.

Mr Atwoli said the planned meeting will help identify individuals who will vie for elective positions in the region.

“We shall decide who to field for elective offices as I have said before. No one should be deceived,” he said.

Atwoli said the issue of elusive Luhya unity ought not to arise.

“It is a perception created by the media, the community is united 100 per cent and we shall prove that on January 18," he said.

Elsehwere, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi urged the people of Western to allow him to reach out to friends outside the region’s borders in a bid to boost his chances of capturing the presidency. “We must extend a hand of friendship and brotherhood beyond Western,” he said at Mbale.