This archive report was first published on 27 June 2020.
Luhya Unity Talks Gain Momentum as Oparanya and Wamalwa Meet with Elders ¶
On June 27, 2020, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa held a meeting with Luhya elders to discuss the community's development agenda ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The meeting, which was attended by other leaders from the Western region, including Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, Vihiga Governor Wilberforce Otichilo, and Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati, aimed to unite the Luhya community in a bid to secure a seat at the high table.
Despite public gatherings being prohibited by the Ministry of Health due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting went on smoothly, sparking questions from netizens about why the politicians were not dispersed by the police.
Wamalwa and Oparanya have been crisscrossing Western Kenya counties in recent weeks, holding meetings with Luhya leaders to discuss unity talks. However, their efforts have been met with skepticism by some leaders, including Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, who have skipped their meetings.
As the Luhya community continues to seek unity ahead of the 2022 General Election, Oparanya and Wamalwa's meeting with the elders marks a significant step towards achieving this goal.
