Likuyani Member of Parliament, Dr. Enoch Kibunguchy has hailed efforts by top political luminaries from western region to unite the voter-rich Luhya community ahead of the next general elections.
Addressing students, staff, parents and community during a fundraiser
at St. Judea Seregeya Secondary School in his constituency, Kibunguchy
downplayed attempts by his colleagues Ayub Savula (Lugari)
and Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and former Lurambi MP, Manyala
Keya to woo him into the newly formed Jubilee Party.
The legislator instead urged the electorate to support ongoing efforts
to unite western region by Amani National Congress’ Musalia Mudavadi,
United Democratic Party’s Cyrus Jirongo, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula
and Dr. Boni Khalwale.
“I also urge Savula, Washiali and their colleagues to support this
noble effort,” appealed Kibunguchy who warned politicians from the
region against working on behalf of external forces whose main agenda,
he said, was to further divide the community for political reasons.
Kibunguchy blamed President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William
Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for
polarizing Kenya’s national politics along tribal lines.
“The Western region, which is largely occupied by the Luhya
community, cannot run away from the fact that our national politics
has gone tribal,” observed Kibunguchy, who warned his colleagues
against dreaming the community would immensely benefit if Jubilee
Party formed the next government.
“If two communities are holding grip of the country’s highest seat on
the land by playing politics based on tribes, then Luhyas should be
prepared to play tribal politics in order to change the status quo,”
said Kibunguchy.
The vocal MP told the charged crowd that the region has the potential
to take the country’s presidency only if it fronted a single
candidate in 2017 presidential elections.
“Our community has the numbers to enable one of its own to take the nation’s
leadership seat, or have a strong bargaining power for
powerful positions,” added Kibunguchy who used the occasion and
appealed to youth in the region to register as voters.
Savula and Washiali are leading a section of MPs from the former Western Province, among them Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Malulu Injendi (Malava), David Were (Matungu) who have vowed to closely work with the Jubilee administration.