Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Wamalwa pledge to work together

ANC Party leader Musalia Mudavadi (Centre), Ford Kenya Party leader Moses Wetang'ula and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa (left) at Bumakhudu in Butula during the burial of former counsellor Andrew Kwena. (Ignatius Odanga, Standard)

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula have vowed to present a united front in next elections.

The two said the Luhya community was capable of producing a president but only if they remain united and rally behind one of their own.

Mr Mudavadi regretted that since independence, only Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities have produced presidents.

Speaking at the burial of former civil leader Andrew Kwena in Bumakhudu village, Butula yesterday, Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said it was in the best interest of people from the region that their leaders walk and work together.

The three were responding to calls by the public and local politicians who petitioned them to remain united.

“Recently the country celebrated 56 years of independence and I am disturbed that of all those years, only two communities have produced presidents,” said Mudavadi.

"We want to see a country where every community matters and is involved in the top leadership,” he added.

Mulembe Nation

He said the ‘Mulembe Nation’ has helped many communities fill their baskets during elections.

Wetang’ula said the community had been taken for granted by politicians outside the region for long.

He said he would be ready to shelve his presidential ambitions and support a popular candidate from their backyard.

“As a community we are tired for being taken for granted. If we see one of us has high chances of winning the presidency, we shall support him,” he said.

Wamalwa told politicians whom he said were bragging that they had Western in their hands and leaders from the region cannot unite will be in for a rude shock.