COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli has urged Luhya leaders to unite and find the way forward in the political arena. Atwoli has insisted that the Luhya community shouldn’t be left out of the power plays ahead of 2022. “Our political leaders shouldn’t delay, they need to meet quickly and make a decision to map the way forward,” he said, “We don’t want to be left out and become beggars, we want to be nearer the negotiating table, and we must be represented there.”
The COTU boss said leaders from Western Kenya should be closer to President Uhuru Kenyatta, taking part in any errands and helping out where necessary, “They shouldn’t say they are waiting for 2022. At the moment, they should be close to the President and helping out where necessary,” he said.
The issue of Luhya unity has been an ongoing conundrum, with calls for Luhya leaders to come together and move on a united front. Ford Kenya leader and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa laid aside their differences in a meeting at Mabanga Training College and focused on working together in what may turn out to be a significant ‘handshake’. It remains to be seen which path other leaders take.