Governor Kahiga, Echesa clash over 2022 Luyha votes
A verbal conflict has broken out within the United Democratic Alliance party following Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga’s apparent disregard for the role of Western Kenya in the 2022 presidential triumph.
Ex-Cabinet secretary Rashid Echesa rebuked the governor, emphasizing that the combined votes from the region played a pivotal role in securing the election victory for the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
The governor described the area as a stronghold for the opposition leader Raila Odinga’s ODM party, asserting that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya only influences Bungoma County.
Kahiga asserted that the total votes contributed by the Western region to Kenya Kwanza’s triumph were only 600,000, in contrast to the significant number of votes from Mt Kenya and Rift Valley.
“Western, and this is a fact, belongs to two parties, Ford Kenya for Bungoma and ODM for the rest of Vihiga and Kakamega, the total combined was 600, 000 votes….while we thank them for the 600,000 votes they were only pouring into the six milion that we brought and the 1.5 million that came from Rift valley,” he said in a video seen by PoliticalPulseChat.
Ruto won the election with 7.1 million votes in the 2022 elections.
The governor proceeded to criticize UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, asserting that Malala was giving orders within the party without recognizing the significant contribution of his region to the election triumph.
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”I am very uncomfortable with people who never voted for William Ruto but who want to come and purport to direct who should vie. I have been saying that I am uncomfortable with UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala….I want to be told what votes he is bringing to the table.”
Echesa, a native of the Western region, responded to Kahiga, advising him to address any concerns with Malala directly instead of diminishing the Western region’s role in Kenya Kwanza’s success.
“You sound not to be in your senses by dismissing the 600,000 votes. Remember, we formed the government by a margin of 200,0000 votes. We all fought for this government, and we are contented with where we are,” Echesa told Kahiga on his X account.
The political figure emphasizes to Kahiga that the Mt Kenya area receives the largest portion of government representation due to its significant contribution to the success of the presidential election.
“From where I sit your community enjoys the lion’s share, and we are not complaining since we understand the role your community played. So even with our small contribution in forming this government, please respect us,” Echesa said.
Governor Kahiga, Echesa clash over 2022 Luyha votes