Vihiga Governor, Moses Akaranga has lashed out at some of Luhya leaders accusing them of bulldozing the rest of the community into joining their political parties, making the much talked about Luhya unity to remain a pipedream.
Akaranga, who was chief guest during PAG church fundraiser at Kongoni in Likuyani Sub County of Kakamega County, was responding to calls from Kakamega Senator, Bonny Khalwale, and former Lugari MP, Cyrus Jirongo who had earlier on pleaded with him to join United Democratic Party (UDP).
The Vihiga governor told Jirongo and Khalwale to be accommodative of divergent views from their perceived enemies if indeed they wanted to see the elusive dream of a united Luhya community realized.
A visibly irked Akaranga wondered why Jirongo and Musalia Mudavadi were establishing new political parties instead of joining the ones already in existence.
“I remember sharing with Jirongo about the ideals behind my Progressive Party of Kenya (PPK), which has Mulika Mwizi as its slogan, thinking, and in fact I was much optimistic, that my brother will join me so that we could form a strong team to fight the runaway graft,” revealed Akaranga.
“So when you people are talking about corruption and you don’t want to come to a party that is spotlighting thieves, I’m unable to comprehend what you fellows are saying,” he added amidst laughter from the crowd.
The Vihiga county boss warned Khalwale against what he described as forcefully whipping other leaders and electorate into joining his team.
“Don’t keep saying all Luhyas must join your team. No. Why can’t you also join others? Aren’t well all leaders? I also want to welcome you to my political part so that we work as a team!” remarked Akaranga.
Akaranga advised politicians from western province to meanwhile focus attention on encouraging the locals who have attained 18 years to register as civilians so that they acquire identity cards to enable them register as voters ahead of the 2017 general elections.
“Let us stop behaving like that proverbial farmer who went to his farm without a jembe, expecting to harvest abundantly at harvest season,” chided Akaranga.