Oparanya, Wetang’ula press for Luhya unity ahead of 2022

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula at a past function in Kilingili last week. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula have accused some MPs from Western of undermining efforts to unite the Luhya community.

The two leaders said it is bad for the lawmakers to traverse the region saying that Mr Wetang’ula, Musalia Mudavadi and Mr Oparanya cannot unite the community ahead of 2022 polls.

The two were speaking during the County Gala Awards ceremony in Vihiga.

Mr Wetang’ula asked the community to speak as one voice, and vote out anyone with plans to bring disunity.

He said he was in talks with Mr Mudavadi and Oparanya to see who was best suited to lead the Luhya community in 2022.

“The 'Mulembe nation' is united but we have a group of MPs who are spreading propaganda that the region will never talk as one voice,” said Wetang’ula.

Oparanya said Luhya MPs who act as sycophants to different political factions are impeding the unity drive.

“I will be a fool to stick to the ballot when I know either Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, Eugene Wamalwa or Ken Lusaka have a better chance of clinching the presidency," said Oparanya.

Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba said Luhyas will win the 2022 polls although they will face a myriad of challenges.

Vihiga Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi said the Luhya community wants transformational leadership. “We need to stand with each other to win the presidency," said Dr Saisi.