Sunday January 6, 2013 - Luhya as a tribe was created in 1948. For the last 65 years since its formation, the Luhya community has never voted as a bloc. The Luhya tribe consists of 19 sub-tribes but the Bukusu and the Maragoli are the largest sub-tribes.
For instance during the 1992 general elections, voters in the Bukusu sub-tribe in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia proved that since the re-introduction of political pluralism in 1991 that they always vote differently from the rest of the Luhyas in Western Kenya.
In 1992, the Bukusu voted for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga while the rest of the Luhya sub-tribes voted for mainly Ford Asili and Kanu.
In 2007, the Bukusu voted for President Mwai Kibaki while the rest of the sub-tribes voted for Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Prior to the current political realignments the Bukusu were warming up to Mr Eugene Wamalwa, but since the New -Ford Kenya party leader is no longer running for the presidency, the Bungoma votes may be up for grabs.
In conclusion is that, the Luhya nation has never voted in one direction.
The big question is; when will the Luhya community unite to vote as a bloc?
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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