Why Mudavadi, Wetang'ula are facing hostility over Luhya unity

From left: Fomer President Uhuru Kenyatta, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi during the funeral service of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda, on December 30, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] 

The battle for Luhya political supremacy played out during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula received a hostile reception.

As this unfolded, other leaders from the region flexed their political muscles even as they preached unity within the community.

Leaders who attempted to promote Mudavadi and Wetang’ula as the face of the Luhya community were met with boos and jeers from sections of the crowd.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was heckled as he threw his weight behind the two leaders and urged mourners to rally behind them.

“Let us respect the leaders who are before us. As a community, we have Musalia Mudavadi and Wetang’ula as our leaders. Let us give them the respect they deserve,” Sakaja said, amid loud boos.

He claimed the two leaders had made significant sacrifices for the community.

For a duo that has long projected itself as the political kingpins of Western Kenya, the reception cast doubt on those claims.

Political forum

Mudavadi, in his address, steered clear of politics, saying he would respond to issues raised at a different political forum.

Earlier, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna challenged the two leaders to support his camp’s presidential ambitions, arguing that they had set their sights on the 2032 race.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi chats with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula as COTU Sec Gen Francis Atwoli looks on. [File, Standard]

“To Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang’ula, we want to be on the ballot in 2027. Since you have said you can wait until 2032, we ask you to support our bid,” Sifuna said.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma was also heckled as he attempted to criticise Sifuna over the ongoing turmoil within ODM.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, in his speech, painted a future for the community led by himself and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

He argued that mineral wealth in the region, including gold deposits, should be exploited for the benefit of locals and also pressed the government leaders present to ensure justice for Jirongo.

Other speakers urged the community to remain united, insisting that unity remained its greatest strength.

Siaya Governor James Orengo questioned why the region could not field a presidential candidate, warning that settling for a deputy position weakened its bargaining power.

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi echoed the unity call, saying Jirongo’s wish was for a united community.

“Do not be like an elephant that does not know its strength. Your unity will shake this country,” Gideon said.