All jubilee allies in Western Kenya risk rejection in 2017 elections

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya

Western MPs have been warned against joining President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.

Speaking in Mumias yesterday, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Cyrus Jirongo said Jubilee allies would be swept by a political tsunami in the 2017 General Election.

“Instead of the MPs and senators pushing for additional funding to counties for grassroots development, they are following other people to seeking handouts in the name of development. The days of kneeling down to beg for favours from the national government are long gone,” declared Oparanya. He said with a year remaining to next elections, elected leaders from the region should put aside selfish interests and advocate for the formation of formidable force to bargain for a fair share of the national cake.

Without mentioning names, Atwoli said the MPs should brace themselves for  defeat in 2017.

He said the Western Kenya MPs caucus will deliberate on the political path to be followed by Luhya community in 2017.

“The 25 MPs led by their chairman John Bunyasi (Nambale) asked me to hold talks with all MCAs, MPs, senators, governors, other political leaders, religious leaders, opinion leaders, women and youth to have a clear way to follow. After the meeting, we will declare our stand,” said Atwoli.

He asked those seeking the presidency from the community to forge ahead, saying Luhya voters would decide whom to vote for when the time comes. Atwoli also advised MPs interested in working with Jubilee government to consult the President directly rather than through proxies.

They spoke as Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali was forced to cut short his speech after he was heckled by mourners. Washiali has publicly declared he has crossed over to Jubilee. MPs Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) and Benard Shinali (Ikolomani) have also declared their intention to join the Jubilee Party.

“In 2017, we will not vote for others again. The Luhya nation will decide whom to vote for without coercion, blackmail or bribery. We don’t need to send delegations to be in government. If we as Luhyas want to negotiate with the government, we will go directly to President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Atwoli. Jirongo said the mandate of an MP is to provide oversight over the Executive and wondered why some legislators appeared to owe allegiance to the Executive.

“You MPs have been turned into beggars who have no shame. As an elected leader, you represent the interest of the people and as you purse your own interests, you should seek the blessing of the electorate. I ask my brothers who have erred to come back to their senses and return home,” Jirongo said. Washiali  vowed to defend his seat in 2017 elections under JAP saying it will form the next government.

“People have a very short memory. We joined Jubilee in 2013 so why are you becoming unreasonable now. After elections, UDF formed a post-election pact with Jubilee. Washiali has not joined the government today,” he said.

Also present were former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende, nominated senator Elizabeth Ongoro and former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru.