Sharp divergent political opinions took center stage during the burial of mzee Nathan Sakari, at Lugulu in Bungoma County as the leaders present sought to make their political stands known ahead of the 2022 clash. Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala said being a son from Luhya land, the community should support one of its own to ascend to power. He said with Senator Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi being veterans, people from the mulembe nation should look no further but support one of them. However he said the enemies of Luhya unity are the leaders themselves as they can’t agree to have one leader on the front line.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa sharply differed with him saying in Western region every leader wants to be a kingpin and it’s not practical as residents will forever remain divided on whom to choose. He said they should not be obsessed with the presidency factor but what they have delivered in their tenure so as to give hope to residents that they will perform if bestowed the opportunity. His sentiments were echoed by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama who said at the moment, the community shouldn’t be misguided that it can ascend to power on its own without working with other communities.
He criticised Senator Malala for misleading residents to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga yet after the handshake he is now settled in the government he was once criticizing. He added that Kenyans are now sharp and can’t be misled politically saying he will support the Deputy President in the forthcoming general elections.
Veteran politicians Noah Wekesa and Musikari Kombo rooted for a toned down political atmosphere in the country saying 2022 is still far and the politicians should focus on development issues first. They said the Luhya nation should put its house in order first and that the time to do that is now as other communities are busy formulating their strategies. The sentiments were strongly echoed by Tongaren MP David Eseli Simiyu who said it’s high time the community became united so as to present a formidable force in 2022.
Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka reiterated the need for leaders to work together as a team saying it will enable the region achieve more. He added that having been a leader in Bungoma County he’ll continue supporting the projects in the County and asked leaders to respect one another. The late Sakari was eulogised by many who praised him as having been a hardworking man and a strong pillar in the society.