The Bukusu Council of Elders has endorsed Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as spokespersons for the Luhya community. The decision was arrived at during a Thursday meeting which was held at ACK grounds in Bungoma and brought together several leaders including CS Wamalwa, Governor Oparanya, Governor Ojaamong, Musikari Kombo among others. Speaking after the meeting, the Council of Elders chairman Richard Walukano said the two leaders have easy access to President Uhuru Kenyatta and the negotiating table and will present issues affecting the former Western province better.
The elders have also affirmed their support for the BBI. On his part, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said they have a mission of bringing all people of Western Kenya together, including Luhyas, Tesos, Sabaots and others who reside in the region. He said they agreed to support the BBI when they met at COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s residence in Kajiado, “This is the message we are taking to the people,” he said, adding that supporting the BBI equates to supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga in their quest.
Musikari Kombo also noted that CS Wamalwa and Oparanya have close access to the negotiating table and this plays a key role. “Our sons Oparanya and Eugene Wamalwa are sitting on the table where negotiations take place. If you are not on the table you can’t influence decisions,” he said. He cited that he could make his voice heard when he was serving under former President Mwai Kibaki’s government because he was close to the negotiations table.