Western leaders in fresh bid for unity

By OSINDE OBARE

Leaders from Western Province have mandated former Cabinet minister Burudi Nabwera to spearhead unity.

Three Cabinet ministers and an MP are seeking to unify the community ahead of the next General Election.

Ministers Moses Wetang’ula, Noah Wekesa and Soita Shitanda and Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa also resolved to stop using burials as political platforms to settle scores.

Mr Nabwera challenged politicians from Western with presidential ambitions to stop relying on votes from the region, but seek to establish support countrywide.

Addressing mourners during the burial of former Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Muyundo in Kiminini Trans-Nzoia West District at the weekend, the leaders expressed regret that divisions and unnecessary rivalry had denied the leaders a chance to ascend to the top seat.

"Let us come together and strengthen Ford-Kenya as our train to bargain for political power," said Mr Wetang’ula.

Dr Wekesa said it was not good for leaders to use burial ceremonies to attack one another, describing it as an outdated practice.

Shitanda warned those jostling for the top seat not to be cheated that the Luhya vote would help one of them to ascend to power, because they needed support from other communities.