This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
As the 2022 General Election draws near, a deepening rift within the Mulembe nation has become increasingly apparent, with four rival groups vying for leadership of the Luhya community.
According to sources, the groups have been traversing the Western region, each claiming to be the sole saviour of the community in its desperate quest for the presidency.
One group, led by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, has been championing its cause since being declared the Luhya spokesmen by trade unionist Francis Atwoli in Kajiado over a month ago.
Another group, led by Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, has promised the community that it will bring home the presidency in 2022.
However, the group has been accused by its rivals of lacking the gravitas to win the seat that the Luhya nation has been yearning for quite a long time.
A third group, comprising youthful legislators from the entire Western region, is led by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
These legislators have accused the other factions of not consulting widely before presenting issues to the national government.
Lastly, a fourth group has emerged, comprising legislators and members of county assemblies who support Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 presidential ambitions.
