WE'LL STAY PUT: Luhya leaders Eugene Wamalwa, Ababu Namwamba, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang?ula, Musikari Kombo and Noah Wekesa during former VP Kijana Wamalwa?s memorial in Milimani, Kitale, on Saturday. Photo/JOHN NALIANYA
Pressure is mounting on Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula and Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba to quit Cord and start spearheading Luhya unity talks.
The pressure was imminent during the memorial to mark the 11th anniversary of former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa's death at his Milimani home, Kitale, on Saturday when leaders across the political divide read from the same script.
Speaking to the Star on the phone yesterday, New Ford Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa urged the two to quit Cord and unite for the sake of the region.
“If this community expects to make any meaningful impact on Kenya’s political landscape the duo should start by joining hands with us on the other side,” he said.
Eugene said the region is not ready to support Cord leader Raila Odinga again, saying Raila is not trustworthy.
Speaking to the Star separately, Mumias East MP Ben Washiali said Wetang’ula should quit Cord if he is serious with his presidential ambition.
Former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli told Namwamba and Wetang’ula that they should recall what happened to Wamalwa, Mudavadi, Moi, Ruto and others so that they can quickly make up their minds to leave the Raila-led ODM and Cord.
“The two should know that they are not more special than the late Wamalwa, Ruto, Mudavadi who were frustrated by Raila,” he said.
Others who have openly told Wetang’ula and Namwamba of the need for Luhya unity include former Parliament Speaker Kenneth Marende, UDF leader Musalia Mudavadi and former Kanduyi MP Alfred Khang’ati.
Wetang’ula and Namwamba have however insisted that they won’t quit Cord.
“The three principals in Cord have open chances of vying for the presidency and there is no preferred candidate,” Wetang’ula said.
He said he was not just escorting Raila but selling his political aspirations to be just like Raila.
Wetang’ula urged ODM leaders not to fight and weaken their party, saying that all Cord affiliates are strengthening their parties, including his Ford Kenya party.
Namwamba said he will fight from within.
He said he will not yield to intimidation or threats and he will continue speaking out his mind.
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