Ababu to lead strategy talks as Western MPs’ caucus meets

Vihiga, Kenya - More than 40 legislators from Western Kenya congregate in Vihiga County today for the second retreat of a newly-formed caucus that looks into diverse interests of people from their region.

The Western Parliamentary Caucus’ (WPC) two-day retreat at Sosa cottage is a follow-up to the first meeting in Busia County over the Easter holidays.

Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General and Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba, who was among the architects of WPC, said the retreat would focus on the region’s political destiny ahead of the 2017 General Election.

Other burning issues to be addressed include the failure of a candidate from Western Kenya to secure the chairmanship of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, which some leaders feel should have been reserved from someone from the region following Namwamba’s removal.

The meeting will also discuss the troubled Mumias Sugar Company and Mudete tea factory which offer employment to thousands of workers in Western Kenya.

WPC’s primary objective is to collectively address and promote the economic, social and political interest of  people in Western Kenya regardless of political affiliations.

“We commit ourselves to pursue the common cause of propelling the economic, social and political aspirations of our people in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia counties,” noted Ababu.

While the Busia retreat locked out senators and governors, Ababu said they would today discuss the possibility of bringing them on board to help ease the political tensions their exclusion had generated.

“We are also going to look at the possibility of roping in key leaders such as Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi and former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo,” added Ababu.

Ward representatives from the region have also established a similar caucus under the chairmanship of Cleophas Malala of Kakamega County. The first meeting of the caucus was held at Kakamega’s Golf hotel over a week ago with 49 Members of County Assemblies  drawn from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties attending.

Malala said just like WPC, the MCAs caucus would also focus on development and socio-economic challenges facing the region.