Western Kenya’s New Unity Push: Why Young Luyha Leaders’ Drive Faces Significant Headwinds
A new unity initiative by self-proclaimed next-generation politicians from Western Kenya is facing significant challenges after a shaky start.
This recent effort by young politicians reveals the consequences of President William Ruto’s unity government plan with Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s ODM party.
Some Western Kenyan politicians, unhappy with the President’s strategy of including ODM members in the Cabinet while sidelining them, are pushing for separation.
Analysts note that last week’s poorly attended Western Kenya leaders’ meeting at Kakamega Sports Club highlights the substantial obstacles facing the new unity movement.
The well-publicized meeting aimed to unite key politicians from Western Kenya to strategize the region’s future amid the unity government plans between Ruto and Raila.
Named the People’s Assembly, the event was notably avoided by key politicians from Western Kenya, including significant allies of the Mulembe nation’s political heavyweights.
Even attendees of a preparatory meeting in Nairobi, hosted by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, skipped the Kakamega session, disrupting the plans.
Attendees of the Nairobi meeting included Natembeya, former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa.
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Only Natembeya, Echesa, and Malala attended the Kakamega meeting, exposing the instability within the new movement before it even began.
There are indications that the absence of the region’s most influential political figures among the youthful cadre could complicate efforts to unite the Mulembe nation.
Political analyst James Livondo predicted that the unity initiative would fail due to a lack of support from regional leaders like Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Livondo stated that the young leadership push was doomed from the start, as many leaders avoided it, resulting in its failure.
The History and Diplomacy lecturer added that the movement faces challenges due to the lack of support from the region’s prominent figures and perceived attempts to bypass and undermine established leaders.
Livondo explained that some politicians are attempting to exploit a perceived power vacuum left by Mudavadi and Wetang’ula’s focus on their roles in the Kenya Kwanza administration, which is likely to fail.
Since their appointments, Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have reduced their aggressive political activities in Western Kenya to focus on supporting the Kenya Kwanza government’s agenda.
The failed Western Kenya leaders’ meeting is seen by many as an attempt by forces allegedly allied with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to undermine Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.
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Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, key political leaders from Western Kenya, are collaborating with President Ruto.
It has emerged that many Western leaders skipped the Kakamega event due to its perceived bias, with plans for a major regional meeting led by Mudavadi underway.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula announced that Western leaders will soon organize a significant meeting co-chaired by Mudavadi and Wetang’ula.
Savula dismissed the Monday meeting, claiming it was organized by leaders manipulated by external forces to undermine Western leadership for personal gain.
Natembeya, the alleged mastermind of the new unity effort, attended the meeting and criticized current leaders for not advocating enough for the region.
Natembeya, deputy leader of the DAP-K party, insists there is a leadership void in Western Kenya that he aims to fill.
George Natembeya argued that despite being the second-largest population, the region has never approached the presidency, questioning the current leadership’s effectiveness.
He pointed out the discrepancy in cooperation during campaigning versus sharing benefits, highlighting the exclusion when it comes to distributing power.
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Natembeya is reportedly leading efforts to chart a new political direction amid widespread political unease as the potential impact becomes clearer.
There are claims that some politicians close to a senior government official are working with Natembeya to promote a new political agenda in Western Kenya ahead of the 2027 elections.
Natembeya refuted these claims, emphasizing his goal of providing alternative leadership for Western Kenya.
Malala, who was recently ousted as UDA SG, allegedly fell out with the party due to his association with the DP Rigathi Gachagua faction.
Reports suggest that the unity drive was sparked by recent Cabinet changes, with President Ruto appointing former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as CS for Cooperatives.
Disgruntled politicians allegedly left out of these changes launched a push to oppose President Ruto’s decisions.
Malala’s ouster as UDA SG is linked to his involvement in the new movement.
Addressing the People’s Assembly in Kakamega, Malala claimed the leadership push aimed to assess the Kenya Kwanza government.
Malala demanded transparency about the region’s share in the newly formed inclusive government.
He emphasized the need to evaluate the development allocated to Western Kenya in the current budget for accountable leadership.
The politicians denied accusations of being manipulated by powerful forces to destabilize the Luyha community.
Malala asserted that while they are open to external cooperation, their focus is on pursuing their goals and liberating the people.
Western Kenya’s New Unity Push: Why Young Luyha Leaders’ Drive Faces Significant Headwinds
