MPs in bid to unite Luhya clans

By Francis Ontomwa

A section of legislators from Western Province are now calling for unity of the Maragoli and Bukusu, the two largest Luhya sub-tribes ahead of the March 4 polls.

The leaders say the Western region would make a meaningful impact in the elections if the two largest voting blocs united and led other smaller sub- sections in the right direction.

Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu and his Mumias counterpart Benjamin Washiali have insisted the two sub- tribes must work together for their future prosperity.

“There is no way our potential is going to be realised if we continue speaking from two sides of the divide. Unity is strength and it is this time that we need to be together than any other time,” stated Chanzu in an interview with The Standard.

Mr Chanzu lauded the latest association of Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa, saying it was a healthy move to unite the Luhya.

Mr Washiali stressed that the community should be united to realise its potential, both politically and economically.

“We have in the past been branded a divided nation and it is high time we shed off this tag and chart a different path. The two biggest sub-tribes must show unity to bring others on board,” said Washiali, who is also a member of the parliamentary committee on Land and Natural Resources.

‘King’ Mudavadi

Mudavadi is perceived to be the Maragoli ‘king’, while Wamalwa’s support in the region is mainly in his native Bungoma County, where he has used the image of his late brother, Michael Kijana Wamalwa, to ensure the Bukusu rally behind him.

Wamalwa’s main challenger from the region is Sirisia Ford-Kenya MP, Moses Wetangula, who also has a strong ground among the Bukusu.

He is supporting the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, which brings together the Orange Democratic Movement of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wiper Democratic Movement of Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, and Ford-Kenya.