Kenneth Lusaka calls for unity among Luhya governors

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has, again, distanced himself from allegations that key leadership posts in Western are a reserve for the Bukusu and Maragoli Luhya sub communities.

During the recent Council of Governors (CoG)' elections, Mr Lusaka reportedly told colleagues that it is members of his Bukusu sub-tribe and those of Maragoli who decide political destiny of the larger Luhya community.

It is alleged that Lusaka did not vote for and dismissed Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's bid for CoG chairmanship in the recent elections which saw Meru Governor Peter Munya elected.

Mr Oparanya was elected as the Council's chairman in charge of Finance after a lengthy deliberation.

"I was shocked to read such a statement in media because they are strange to me. I did not make the reckless statement anywhere. I cannot belittle any leader from the community at any point because I am a leader who should lead by example. I cannot utter such words," said Lusaka.

Speaking  during this year's Western Agricultural Society of Kenyan (ASK) show in Kakamega where he was the chief guest, Lusaka said he only asked Oparanya to lobby support from all governors without relying on Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga to marshal support for him from governors allied to the coalition.

"I work closely with my brother Oparanya. I only asked him to marshal support from all governors directly and from both Jubilee and CORD instead of relying on Raila to get support from CORD allied governors only," he said.

It is, however, instructive to note that Oparanya also a deputy party leader of ODM was absent at the show ground, a matter that could be interpreted for friction between the two governors.

Lusaka asked leaders to stop using politics to abuse one another and advance personal interests and instead help each other in a bid to unite the community and roll out development projects that will boost the living standards of residents.

"As leaders, we should remain united and not allow some people to divide us. We should not allow politics of attacking one another but embrace the idea of helping one another to achieve development for our community," he said.

Lusaka, who is also the New Ford Kenya party leader, said as governors from the region they have formed a caucus to discuss development agenda for the five counties.

But the looming friction between the two governors may just spoil the otherwise well-meaning union of the five governors in the region.