Atwoli hosts Raila ahead of December 31 ‘Bukhungu 2’ declaration

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli hosted ODM leader Raila Odinga on Sunday at his home in Khwisero, Kakamega County.

The meeting comes just days before the COTU boss convenes a rally in Bukhungu Stadium where he says the Luhya community will declare its choice for the presidency in next year’s general elections.

“I was delighted to host my brother Raila Odinga today…where we shared lunch and had a warm chat over many issues of mutual interest. I, equally, want to thank the more than 15 MPs who accompanied him for the lunch,” Atwoli said after the meeting with the former Prime Minister.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders who attended Sunday’s meeting at Atwoli’s home, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya confirmed that plans are in top gear to hold the ‘Bukhungu 2’ meeting and that everyone, irrespective of their political affiliation, was free to attend.

“We will be meeting with all leaders, elected or otherwise, from the region, who share our vision so that we can forge a united front ahead of next year’s elections. We want to be united under one Coalition,” the Kakamega County boss said

“Those who hold a different view are also invited. We want to reason with everybody and convince them that the person we support for the Presidency (Raila Odinga), is best suitable to lead our country.” added Oparanya.

Raila, on his part, spoke in a more conciliatory tone saying he was interested in building a strong coalition ahead of August 2022 general election. He noted that this was the main goal of his Azimio la Umoja drive.

“Azimio la Umoja rallies all Kenyans to come together. We want to walk in this journey so as to bring meaningful change to our country,” said the ODM leader.

“Western region is so important to us. The people here are extremely hard working. They have made a huge contribution to the development of our country. There are challenges but I believe they are surmountable if we come together,” Raila added.

Even though Atwoli and Oparanya insist that the meeting will show the direction the Western Kenya electorate will take next year, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya Counterpart Moses Wetangula are adamant it will have little influence on who the region will back for the Presidency.

Related