Mudavadi crowned Luhya community spokesman

Amani National Congress (ANC) party Leader Musalia Mudavadi has been chosen as the Luhya community’s political spokesman.

COTU boss Francis Atwoli announced that Mudavadi trounced Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya of ODM and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula in a survey conducted by University of Nairobi students, with both leaders tying at second place.

Speaking at the ceremony conducted at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Atwoli told Mudavadi – who is seeking the presidency in in 2017 – to represent Western Kenya interests, now that he has been given the mandate by the community.

In his address, Atwoli hit out at area leaders who skipped the event, among them Wetangula and former MP Cyrus Jirongo, saying that they were standing in the way of Luhya unity.  He, however, told Mudavadi to reach out to all Luhya leaders.

On his part, Mudavadi called for the Luhya unity, further urging them to register as voters to enable them vote for change come 2017.

While pledging to bring Kenyans from all walks of life together, Mudavadi said he would embark on a mission to unite leaders from the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and Wiper Party in a bid to create a strong alliance come 2017.

Mudavadi drummed support for NASA, further promising to fight corruption, which he said has dogged the Jubilee administration.

Legislators present, led by Funyula MP Paul Otuoma and Nambale’s Sakwa Bunyasi, have called for unity among the Luhya community, saying this would enable them negotiate for a bigger share of the national cake.

Meanwhile, a section of western leaders allied to Jubilee Party have rubbished the move by COTU boss Francis Atwoli.

Led by Mumias East MP Ben Washiali, Ikolomani’s Ben Shinali, Matungu’s David Were, the western lawmakers have vowed to campaign for Jubilee and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election come 2017.

During a rally held at Shibale in Mumias, Kakamega County, the legislators accused Atwoli of bullying Luhya community leaders; saying choosing a spokesperson for the community will divide western Kenya further.

According to the MPs, Atwoli has no mandate to choose a spokesperson for the community. They also dismissed the survey cited by the labour leader, saying it did not hold water.