NAIROBI, Kenya- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has announced a joint political initiative with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya aimed at uniting the Luhya community ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The leaders said they had agreed to close ranks and offer collective leadership to consolidate the community’s political influence at the national level.
“If we are serious about uniting our people, we must first unite ourselves. That is why Mudavadi, Oparanya and I have agreed to put words into action,” Wetang’ula said.
Unity Drive to Expand Across Western Region
Speaking at Seregeya village, at the home of the late former Likuyani MP Dr Enoch Wamalwa Kibunguchy, Wetang’ula urged other leaders across Western Kenya to join the unity initiative.
He said the Luhya community could only command meaningful bargaining power in national politics by speaking with one voice and voting as a bloc.
“Our strength lies in unity. As leaders, we have no option but to bring our people together as we look beyond the presidency of President William Ruto,” Wetang’ula said.
He noted that the community stood a realistic chance of producing a president if it rallied behind President Ruto, who could support a candidate from the region after serving two terms.
Condolences for Prominent Luhya Leaders
Wetang’ula also mourned the deaths of businessman and former Cabinet minister Cyrus Jirongo and former MP Dr Kibunguchy, both of whom passed away during the festive season.
He urged leaders and young people to maintain dignity during funerals and avoid chaos, warning that disorderly conduct goes against Luhya traditions.
“Leaders who encourage disorder at funerals must stop this outdated behaviour and respect the dead and grieving families,” he said.
Development Projects in Western Region
The Speaker highlighted development initiatives by the Ruto administration in Western Kenya, including the resumption of Kakamega Level Six Hospital construction and plans for a similar facility in Bungoma County.
He also cited tarmacking of key roads and the settlement of long-standing dues owed to former Pan Paper employees as evidence of the government’s commitment to the region.
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe said he had completed projects initiated by Dr Kibunguchy to honour his predecessor and urged residents to rally behind Wetang’ula as the most senior regional leader and potential presidential candidate after Ruto’s tenure.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Kanduyi MP John Makali and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, who said Wetang’ula had played a key role in strengthening cohesion among Western leaders.
Bungoma County Assembly Speaker Emmanuel Situma and Majority Leader Joseph Juma Nyongesa were among the leaders in attendance.
Jirongo will be laid to rest on December 30 at his Lumakanda home in Kakamega County.
