Jirongo told to stop undermining Mudavadi

Friday, 15 July 2011 00:10 BY HILTON OTENYO

VIHIGA MP Yusuf Chanzu has told KADDU chairman Cyrus Jirongo to stop undermining elected leaders from Western province in his quest for Luhya unity. Chanzu said that Jirongo’s attempt to use councilors in Vihiga County to clear the ground for him for what he terms Luhya unity amounts to undermining MPs in the area. “I am not opposed to Jirongo but his approach to politics. He should join ODM and strengthen Mudavadi if he feels he is weak instead of undermining him alongside other MPs,” said Chanzu.

Chanzu said that any attempt to unite people in the province should be done through consultations involving all elected leaders from the area. Chanzu spoke while launching a Sh4 million Mang’ong’o water project in South Maragoli. “I am wondering why Jirongo chose to begin his unity meetings in Sabatia constituency instead of his own Lugari constituency. Is he running away from Lugarui because he lacks a following?” Chanzu posed.

Chanzu was reacting to a meeting planned by Jirongo at Mbale municipal grounds on July 30 to drum up support for Luhya unity. Councillors from Vihiga County have since opposed the rally and accused Jirongo of planning to use the meeting to horse trade with Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

The civic leaders said they read mischief in Jirongo’s move after learning that a permit issued by police for meeting indicated that it was a UDM rally. Yesterday, Chanzu said that MPs from the county would make personal decision as to whether to attend the meeting or not. He added he would personally not attend.

It will be the second time Jirongo, who has declared he will run for the presidency next year, will be initiating Luhya unity talks. His bid for unity in 2005 flopped.