Race for vote-rich Luhya hots up with eyes on Oparanya, Wamalwa

Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa arrives at Ojaamong's residence in Okilidu, Teso South constituency, Busia County. [Ignatius Odanga/Standard]

Just days after being named Luhya spokespersons in a ceremony presided over by Cotu boss Francis Atwoli and attended by a host of MPs from the region, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and CS Eugene Wamalwa have met a group of Teso elders to exert their authority.

The two were hosted by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojamong at his Okilidu residence.

The fight for political relevance has intensified among Luhya politicians, with many taking sides ahead of the 2022 General Election.

Oparanya and Wamalwa sought the blessings of Luhya elders, essentially giving an exit notice to the current regional kingpins.

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula are still battling the ongoing coups.

Former Cabinet Ministers Muskari Kombo, Noah Wekesa and Fred Gumo as well as Ojaamong and Trans Nzoia Senator Michael Mbito accompanied the duo on the tour, perhaps in a bid to restamp their presence in Luhya politics.

This comes as Ford-Kenya Secretary-General Eseli Simiyu accused party leader Moses Wetangula of threatening party NEC members who attended the special party meeting to sign affidavits denouncing what they did to push out the party leader is unlawful.

He said they are going to record a statement with police over threats targeted at the NEC members who attended the special meeting.

He said it was wrong for the Wetangula group to resort to threats and intimidation to NEC members, adding that Kenyans can now see why the party leader was removed.

“We are going to report this to the police to make sure our NEC members are protected from the threats,” he said.

Eseli, however, told the NEC members to remain steadfast despite the threats, adding that the law is on their side.

The Tongeren MP said the Political Party Act which created the office of the Registrar of Political Parties is a brainchild of Ford Kenya and they would strive to respect it.