2017 a turning point for Western Ababu

Budalangi Member of Parliament Ababu Namwamba has said that the 2017 elections will be a turning point for Western politics.

Speaking in Mombasa on Saturday, Namwamba said that leaders from the western region should not engage in political alliances or declare blind support to other presidential candidates.

“The 2017 elections will be a turning point for us as a region. We want our region to speak in one voice and make sure our numbers count,” said Namwamba.

“This tendency to try and straitjacket the western region into this or that zone is immature in my view.”

The ODM Secretary General criticised leaders for declaring blind support for presidential candidates, saying it is not possible for all leaders to be in government.

“You cannot have a democratic country where everyone is in government, it is important to be in the opposition.”

He said Western leaders should focus on improving the lives of people living in the region instead of engaging in political rhetoric.

High table of leadership

“The most important thing for western leaders is the best interest of the people of Western,” stated Namwamba.

“We want economic growth of the region, we want revival of economic mainstay industries like pan paper and Mumias.

Ababu further added that the Western region deserves a prominent presence “at the high table in terms of the leadership” adding that his key push will be for the interest of the people of western.

“As leaders we should respect one another and make every single effort to move together in one direction. For me I will take steps that are ultimately in the best interest of the people of Western region.”

Namwamba’s sentiments contrast those of Lugari MP Ayub Savula who revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta is likely to get overwhelming support from the Western region due to his development record.

Addressing a press conference in Mombasa on Saturday, Savula further confirmed that his countrywide campaign to encourage the Luhya community to register as voters is in top gear ahead of the next elections.