Changing faces of Luhya politics – Weekly Citizen

With Uhuru Kenyatta succession taking shape, all eyes are now trained on the Western region that, like at the national level, is increasingly undergoing substantial metamorphosis of unprecedented proportions.

From the region’s much contested political supremacy to wannabe presidential flagbearer; elusive Luhya unity to outsider forays; ‘executive’ comebacks to alliance building; upset status quo to new, restless brooms.

ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi

At par value, Amani National Congress boss Musalia Mudavadi has for some time had emerged as the region’s de facto political supremo but his political fortunes are dwindling. Even before his December 31 2016 Bukhungu Stadium installation as the community’s spokesman, Mudavadi fitted in well as late vice president Kijana Wamalwa’s replacement, going close to the apex of political power.

When, as ODM leader Raila Odinga’s deputy, he led the community to vote overwhelmingly for the Orange party, only for their joint victory to be stolen in the infamous 2007 presidential poll, Mudavadi came out as a force to reckon with, both within and without the region.

Later appointed deputy prime minister in the grand coalition government, Mudavadi’s stature grew uninterrupted, being – of course – the senior most government official from Western then. In the subsequent 2013 general election, he chose to be his own man, running for the presidency on the United Democratic Front platform, albeit under very controversial circumstances. Remember the madimoni debacle? Like they say, the rest is history.

Atwoli

Fast forward, the Bukhungu Declaration that saw him controversially installed as Luhya spokesman by the influential Central Organisation of Trade Unions secretary general Francis Atwoli to the detriment of Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula. Atwoli has a network across the community that Mudavadi hanged on until the current fallout with Atwoli.Atwoli is now backing Oparanya.

Apart from late Kijana, another person who controlled the community was the late Masinde Muliro. Atwoli with no political ambitions is seen as the giving directions in the region going by the leaders both elected and religious that troop his home and harambees he holds.

With the erstwhile soul mates – Mudavadi and Atwoli – now reading from different scripts, Oparanya is leaving nothing to chance as he angles to ‘unseat’ the ANC boss as the region’s kingpin, perhaps as a first step towards his designs on national politics.

Oparanya

Declaring he will be vying for the presidency in 2022, the Council of Governors chief challenged Mudavadi and Wetang’ula to pave way for him. Speaking in his native Butere constituency, Oparanya said he will run on the ODM platform, assuring the Western fraternity that he has the blessings of party leader Raila.

Oparanya said time is ripe for him to carry the presidential flag for the ‘Mulembe nation’ after Mudavadi and Wetang’ula had failed to unite and push for political power at the top.

Saying he has gained enough experience in politics, being Raila’s deputy in ODM, Oparanya observed his development record spoke for itself in Western region and beyond. The governor, who is serving his second and final term, said he was working on how to solidify his support across the region and entire country.

Raila and Oparanya

Oparanya said his plans of bringing Luhyas together to form strong and formidable political force are already at advanced stage.

“I will be vying for the presidency in 2022 on the ODM ticket and I’m asking Mudavadi and Wetang’ula to pave way for my mission. I’m hopeful that my party leader Raila will give me full support and sell me to all Kenyans so that I can win the presidency in 2022,” said Oparanya.

Oparanya faulted Mudavadi and Wetang’ula for the failed ANC//Ford-K merger, which he says, would have partly helped in the unity initiatives of the community.

moses wetangula

But speaking separately on a local FM radio station, the ANC boss said his party can only work with Wetang’ula’s Ford-Kenya of but not dissolving it.

The former DPM said he will use his ANC party to vie for presidential seat in 2022, asking those pushing for merger of ANC and Ford-Kenya to forget about it.

“We can’t dissolve ANC and merger it with Ford-Kenya and form one party but what we can do is to work and collaborate to forge a strong, formidable front for 2022 presidential race, said Mudavadi. I will use ANC to vie for the presidency,” he said.

Saying Luhya unity will not be achieved through dissolving parties, Mudavadi said this could only achieved by leaders working together and speaking with one voice.

Malala

Mudavadi said he has supported many political leaders before and that time had come for him to be supported for the top seat. Saying he supported Uhuru in 2002 and Raila in 2008 and 2017, Mudavadi argued it was their turn to reciprocate by supporting him for the top seat.

Even as Mudavadi fights to save his hold on the Luhya nation, a new breed of vibrant youthful legislators has been causing ripples both at the regional and national level. Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala, nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi, Saboti’s Caleb Anami and Chris Omulele of Emuhaya have emerged as liberal firebrands giving Mudavadi sleepless nights.