Western Kenya Capable of Producing a President if Voting as a Bloc

Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Christopher Omulele has asserted that Western Kenya has the potential to produce a president if the region votes as a unified bloc.

Speaking on Saturday during the installation of Etale Olunyilila as the new chairman of the Abasikhale community at Mumboha Church of God, Omulele emphasized the significant influence the community holds with its substantial population.

“The community, the second largest by number, has over 5 million votes which can be leveraged at the decision-making table,” said Omulele. “For us to be respected as a community, we must work as a team so that those at the helm of this country can also respect us and value us when it comes to decision-making and sharing resources.”

The former Member of Parliament for Luanda highlighted that the community has the capability to produce a leader who is not corrupt and can lead without nepotism and tribalism. He pointed out that the Luhya people are known for their kindness and support of other communities’ leadership, but now it is time for them to unite.

“We had our brothers and sisters in Rift Valley vote for UDA, the ruling party. In 2017, Central Kenya voted as a bloc and secured the country’s leadership. Why are we always scattered?” Omulele questioned. “If we aren’t able to work as a team and put our votes in one basket as the people of Mulembe Nation, we shall remain ladders for others to ascend to power.”

His sentiments were echoed by Luanda MP Dick Maungu and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who also attended the event. The speakers urged regional leaders to rally together for the community’s benefit.

The region has a history of voting for different political parties, leading to a push for a unified political vehicle for future elections.

In the past, Ford Kenya under Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF have pursued leadership through various coalitions, including Cord, Nasa, and the ruling Jubilee coalition.

However, the Luhya vote has remained split, as seen in the 2022 elections with ANC and Ford Kenya joining Kenya Kwanza, while DAP-K and UDP aligned with Azimio coalition parties.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has also voiced his opposition to the current Luhya leadership under Wetangula and Mudavadi, arguing that their leadership has not significantly benefited their people.

“We can’t have one leader to be worshipped yet there is nothing their people are benefiting from their leadership,” Natembeya said at a forum in his county.

The call for unity comes at a critical time, as Western Kenya leaders seek to solidify their influence and ensure their community’s interests are represented at the national level.