Western plots to counter ‘tyranny of numbers’

By ALEX NAMULIRO

Politicians and professionals from Western have devised a strategy that will enable members of the Luhya community to shore up numbers in readiness for the 2017 presidential elections.

About 300 people, among them 250 professionals, gathered at Golf Hotel in Kakamega yesterday where it was resolved they mobilise people to get identity and voters cards immediately instead of waiting for 2017.

“All high school principals will be required to ensure students get identity cards before leaving school so that they can vote in 2017,” said convenor Prof Charles Ngome. Among those who congregated in Kakamega to map out the strategy were Kuppett and Knut officials, doctors, engineers, lawyers, youth leaders and other professionals.

Also in attendance were former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Hamisi legislator Charles Gimose, former MPs Cyrus Jirongo, Noah Wekesa and Alfred Khangati.

Unity talk also gathered momentum yesterday with professionals joining the political class in a new push geared towards striking common ground.

The push for  elusive Luhya unity has triggered confusion in the western region over the years.

Unity calls

During the burial of Jirongo’s elder brother in Likuyani, Lugari District last week, similar calls were made by leaders from Western and Trans Nzoia.

Taking stock of events of the last general elections, the meeting resolved to come up with secretariat that will be headed by professionals in preparation for 2017.

Political leaders backed the idea that the journey to the presidency should start early to increase chances of clinching the top seat.

Mr Jirongo encouraged professionals from the Luhya community to work with political leaders to develop and increase their chances of winning the presidency.

“We should finish what Kijana Wamalwa, Martin Shikuku and Masinde Muliro started because we are not cowards and we have the power to rule because we do not want to be sidelined forever,” he said.

Atwoli asked all Luhya sub tribes to unite. “It does not matter if you are from the Maragoli, Bukusu, Samia or any other sub tribe. We are all Luhyas and with a common purpose,” Atwoli argued.

Marende said the Luhya community has been ignored in key government appoitments.

“In the constitution of Kenya it is clearly stipulated that the composition of the executive shall reflect the ethnic diversity of Kenya,” Marende said.

The meeting drew professionals from Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties. Ngome said the decision to hold the meeting was mooted by the quest to ensure the community speaks in one voice.