Political leaders led by Kimilili MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu, Trade Minister Moses Wetangula, Lugari Mp Cyrus Jirongo, Assistant Lands Minister Wakoli Bifwoli, nominated Mp Musikari Kombo and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa at last weekend's burial ceremony of the Late John Ngonelo Manguliechi.

CIVIC leaders from Western Province have welcomed the new Unity Initiative launched by a section of leaders but cautioned against such a drive sidelining Deputy Prime-Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Led by Councilor Jack Wambulwa Makhanu, 23 civic leaders said the move was good, coming at a time when the country is faced with another election.

They warned that sentiments expressed by some leaders against Mudavadi in Bungoma last weekend did not augur well for the unity of the entire Luhya community.

“While we celebrate the unity of purpose exhibited by our leaders, it will be futile to say we are uniting the community yet at the same time sidelining Mudavadi who is the senior-most leader from our community,” said Wambulwa.

He advised those fronting the unity talks to reach out to the Sabatia Mp who can no longer be wished away after decamping from ODM to run for the presidency on a United Democratic Front (UDF) ticket.

The civic leaders further warned that they will go ahead and launch their own unity initiative to comprise people from the grassroots should Mudavadi fail to be included in the new unity talks.

“As civic leaders, we believe we have a bigger say among the masses and those leading such talks must also factor in mind our input or else the initiative would become another cropper,” warned Makhanu.

Speaking during the burial of re-known Bukusu spiritual preacher John Manguliechi at Kibingei village in Bungoma County on Saturday, cabinet minister Moses Wetang’ula, Eugene Wamalwa, Dr Noah Wekesa and six other Mps pledged to bury their political differences and work together ahead of the next general elections.

Read: Wamalwa, Wekesa and Jirongo vow to unite the Luhya community in the run to the next polls

Wekesa announced that the talks fronted by himself, cabinet minister Fred Gumo and Bumula Mp Bifwoli Wakoli will unite the leaders in order for one of them to be endorsed for the presidency with the support of the rest.