ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi has called for unity among Luhya leaders, the community and the whole country, stating that he can’t walk the political journey alone. His sentiments came even as COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli said Mudavadi is still the Western region political leader. The two were speaking during the funeral of the late Church of God of East Africa archbishop Byrum Makokha in Vihiga. Several leaders attended, others including Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Atwoli said the Kajiado meeting that brought together leaders from Western was just a strategic meeting, and wasn’t a platform to institute Luhya leaders. “The Kajiado meeting was about planning strategies for the community. Every time you listen to me, I always say we chose Mudavadi, back in 2016,” he said adding that he should tow the line and take up the responsibility.
On his part, Mudavadi said he can’t tread the political path on his own, and leaders need each other, “Atwoli don’t walk alone, Oparanya don’t walk alone, Church of God don’t walk alone, Western Kenya don’t walk alone….please don’t allow me to walk alone.” On matters corruption, he said President Uhuru Kenyatta should be tough on culprits, and stern action should be taken, citing the KEMSA scandal. “People should know if they decide to take part in corrupt activities, it will be a painful undertaking,” he stated.
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa also called for Western leaders to work together. He said that was the main message when leaders met at Atwoli’s home in Kajiado, and even the late archbishop had called for the same. “The archbishop had said we would meet here in his home once he recovered, to discuss unity and peace,” he revealed.