This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On July 20, 2019, the burial of football legend Joe Kadenge in western Kenya brought together leaders from across the country, sparking a heated debate on Luhya unity and the 2022 political alignment.
Deputy President William Ruto has been making efforts to win support for his 2022 bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, but some Luhya leaders are pushing back, urging him to keep off the region.
Makadara MP George Aladwa kicked off the unity debate, urging Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula, and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa to unite.
Mr. Aladwa asked other leaders to respect the three, whom he said are western Kenya kingpins, and warned that the community will not sit back and watch them insult their own leaders.
Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito said some constituencies in the region have been denied projects because they have been dangled as carrots for political support.
Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa pointed out that Luhya leaders will have to meet and agree on whom to front for the top office in order to attain the State House dream.
Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati said Luhya leaders must walk together if they want to secure a place for the community in the next government.
Mr. Wetang'ula said he is walking with Mr. Mudavadi and that they are calling on other leaders to join them in building a formidable Luhya force.
Others present at the burial included Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, and Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo.
