This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
Published on August 21, 2019, a group of 12 Luo MPs from Nyanza region have expressed frustration with being in opposition after every election year.
Led by Onyango Koyoo (Muhoroni), Walter Owino (Awendo), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Jared Okello (Nyando), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu West), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), and James Nyikal (Seme), the MPs believe it is time for the community to be in government for development.
The MPs, who were hosted by Olago Aluoch at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Kisumu West, kicked off a tour of Nyanza region to explain to the community why they support the handshake and the war on corruption.
They will visit the region’s constituencies before winding up in Kisumu town where they will be joined by Kieleweke team.
The MPs faulted those who were opposed to the handshake, saying they are behind the politics of exclusion that has seen other regions perceived to be opposition zones sidelined in terms of development by past regimes.
Owino said Nyanza should be in the government at all cost irrespective of who forms the next government so long as it is not oppressive.
Oluoch added that the Luo community is not constitutionally mandated to be in the opposition.
“We cannot be in perpetual war as Luo nation. We have been in perpetual isolation for 50 years. Let others also oppose the government,” Oluoch said.
Okello noted that unity pact has since helped in the reconciliation process following the 2017 volatile election politics.
Nyikal dismissed the claim by a section of Kenyans that Raila has abandoned the opposition role.
Olago Aluoch, who hosted the delegation, called for the completion of SGR saying it would open up Kisumu as the regional economic hub.
