This archive report was first published on 26 December 2021.
On Sunday, COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli welcomed ODM leader Raila Odinga to his home in Khwisero, Kakamega County, a meeting that comes just days before the Bukhungu 2 rally.
Published on December 26, 2021, the meeting is a significant development ahead of the rally where the Luhya community will declare its choice for the presidency in next year's general elections.
Atwoli expressed his delight at hosting Raila, saying they shared lunch and had a warm chat over many issues of mutual interest. He also thanked the more than 15 MPs who accompanied Raila for the lunch.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, speaking on behalf of the leaders who attended the meeting, confirmed that plans are in top gear to hold the 'Bukhungu 2' meeting and that everyone, irrespective of their political affiliation, was free to attend.
“We will be meeting with all leaders, elected or otherwise, from the region, who share our vision so that we can forge a united front ahead of next year's elections. We want to be united under one Coalition,” Oparanya said.
“Those who hold a different view are also invited. We want to reason with everybody and convince them that the person we support for the Presidency (Raila Odinga), is best suitable to lead our country,” he added.
Raila, on his part, spoke in a more conciliatory tone, saying he was interested in building a strong coalition ahead of the August 2022 general election. He noted that this was the main goal of his Azimio la Umoja drive.
“Azimio la Umoja rallies all Kenyans to come together. We want to walk in this journey so as to bring meaningful change to our country,” Raila said.
