Atwoli urges Luhya leaders to give region political direction

Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli speaks at the funeral of former Postmaster-General Francis Chahonyo at Homabala School grounds in Vihiga on July 7, 2018. He urged Luhya leaders to give political direction to the western Kenya region. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • He said it will amount to naught if people in region do not make up their mind on the political direction to take.
  • Leaders present included Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.
  • When Wetang’ula stood to speak, he supported calls for Luhya unity.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions boss Francis Atwoli has asked Luhya leaders to give political direction to the community as the debate on 2022 elections heats up.

Speaking Saturday during the funeral for the former Postmaster-General Francis Chahonyo, Mr Atwoli riled local leaders for either staying on the fence or going with the wind when it comes to political decisions.

“Politics is about making the correct decision at the right time,” Mr Atwoli said at Hombala Primary School in Vihiga County where the funeral ceremony was held.

JUBILEE

“The Jubilee administration is on the verge of breaking. Luhya leaders have to take advantage of the cracks,” he added, referring to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s ruling party.

Amid the talk on the 2022 General Election, the Jubilee Party has appeared divided right in the middle, even though its leaders President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto claim it is still a united front.

Even though Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto have insisted all is well in their party, their lieutenants have been issuing public statements that indicate that there could be an imminent split.

In Vihiga, Mr Atwoli, who has been pushing for Luhya unity, said it will amount to naught if people in region do not make up their mind on the political direction to take.

MAKE DECISION

“This is the time for our leaders to make a decision. Find a way of getting into the system and change it for your advantage,” he told a crowd that included opposition leaders Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula.

When Wetang’ula stood to speak, he supported calls for unity and chose to attack the National Assembly’s Agriculture Committee for appearing to shield barons involved in illegal sugar trade rather than naming and shaming them.

“Our unity will enable us reclaim our economy. We must be ready to walk the narrow path. We are ready to rally behind one of us. The Luhya nation produces more sugar than any other region. We ask the government to take action against the persons who imported contraband sugar,” Mr Wetang’ula told mourners.

The Agriculture Committee was last week investigating claims that some importers used the duty-free window to dump sugar into the country which was not fit for human consumption.

But a report presented to parliament appeared to absolve the importers of blame, angering other MPs who rejected it.