This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
On June 14, 2020, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa met with elders from the Banyore, Tiriki, and Maragoli communities at the Ebunangwe Garden Park Hotel in Vihiga County. The meeting aimed to develop transformation plans to address under-development in Western Kenya.
However, the duo's efforts have been marred by claims that they are being financed to divide the vote-rich Western bloc. Oparanya and Wamalwa have denied these allegations, insisting that their goal is to unite the Luhya community and develop the region.
Speaking at the meeting, Wamalwa stated, 'What we talked about at the Kajiadi meeting and in Nairobi is a transformative action plan for the region. Our mission is not to perpetuate infighting but to unite our people and for that, we are here to receive your blessings.'
Wamalwa also claimed that the Western region remains under-developed due to its long spell in opposition politics. He emphasized the need for the region to be on the negotiating table to ensure development.
According to Oparanya, 'The reason we have not seen much development is because we didn’t invest in the Jubilee government. This time around, we must ensure we are on the negotiating table.'
The two leaders have been accompanied by other prominent politicians, including Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Kakamega MPs Bernard Shinali and Emmanuel Wangwe, and veteran politicians Dr. Noah Wekesa and Kenneth Marende.
Wamalwa also announced that a meeting with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i will be held this week to discuss the development agenda for the region.
