It's all systems go as thousands gather for Atwoli declaration

The second Bukhungu meeting is finally set and ready to kick off.

The Star established that by 10 am, Bukhungu Stadium was already packed to capacity and hundreds of people were still walking in.

The meeting, convened by Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli, is set to chart the way forward for the Mulembe nation as they head to the forthcoming General Elections.

Atwoli said the meeting will give the Luhya community a political direction as they usher in an election year.

ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetangula said they will not attend the event.

Their absence comes hot on the heels of reports that the meeting will see the ODM leader Raila Odinga endorsed as the region's favourite presidential candidate.

"Today am meeting Ford Kenya Officials and party candidates in Trans Nzoia to plan for 2022. Thereafter I will attend end year boat racing at number beach in Bwiri ward busia," Wetangula tweeted on Friday.

Leaders expected are Raila Odinga, Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga, James Ongwae (Kisii), Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), and MPs Godfrey Osotsi, Chris Omulele (Luanda), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), among others.

Security has also been beefed up at the stadium after information emerged that a group of people had been mobilised to disrupt the rally.

Leaders from the region are expected to read a Memorandum of Understanding on the things they want Raila to look into, once elected into office, as well as declare their support for his bid ahead of the 2022 General Elections.

Edited by B. Oruta