Kakamega MPs Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Kakamega Woman MP Elsie Muhanda /HILTON OTENYO Kakamega MPs have called on Luhya leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that only a consolidated front will give the community leverage at the national bargaining table.
The legislators said Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya must forge a common political path if Western Kenya is to secure top leadership positions.
“We want our big brothers at the table where the national cake is shared so they can negotiate for the community. We want to negotiate for the Deputy President’s position in 2027,” Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka said during a last-mile electricity launch at Mundoberwa in his constituency.
For decades, divisions among senior Luhya leaders have fragmented the vote, weakening the region’s political influence.
Aseka noted that the community had often relied on ODM leader Raila Odinga to access government, including Oparanya’s Cabinet appointment, but lacked a united front of its own.
“Our people scatter their votes among our top leaders to the extent they lack influence at the negotiating table. We want this trend to end,” he said.
The call for unity comes as Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Oparanya find themselves in the same government, a shift MPs said presents a rare opportunity to consolidate the Luhya bloc.
Lurambi MP Titus Khamala stressed that Western, long a key ODM stronghold, should now be respected as an independent bloc.
“As Luhya leaders, we have resolved to stick together and work with President William Ruto for our people to receive development, because it’s government that delivers, not the opposition,” Khamala said.
Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda said unity had already borne fruit, citing the President’s allocation of Sh2.5 billion for last-mile electricity connectivity and road projects in Western this financial year.
“This confirms that we’ll be respected and listened to when we are united and speak in one voice,” she said.
Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali added that political survival would depend on development.
“You cannot win elections by abusing or threatening others. Leaders must focus on deliverables. We are happy the government is rolling out development in this region,” he said.
Analysts say the push for unity reflects a broader strategy by Western MPs to reposition the region as a kingmaker ahead of 2027.
But whether Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Oparanya can overcome historical rivalries and align under one formation remains the real test.
Instant analysis
The unity push by Kakamega MPs signals a renewed attempt to reposition the Luhya community as a decisive force ahead of 2027. By urging Mudavadi, Wetang’ula and Oparanya to work together, leaders are seeking to end decades of fragmentation that has reduced Western Kenya to a junior partner in national politics. The promise of a deputy presidency forms the rallying cry, but it hinges on overcoming deep-rooted rivalries and past mistrust. With development pledges like the Sh2.5 billion allocations already secured, the leaders’ credibility will be judged by results. The real test is whether unity can translate into sustained influence.
