- Bifwoli cautioned against the vilification of Wetang'ula, highlighting his significant position as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
- Kituyi stressed the paramount importance of respect and courtesy towards leaders who have been in politics longer and are experienced.
Image: TONY WAFULA
Prominent former political figures and Members of Parliament from the Western region have defended National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, as the region's key political figure.
Former MP Bifwoli Wakoli (Bumula), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi (Kimilili), and Musikari Kombo (Webuyu) issued a warning on Friday to leaders and supporters engaging in what they termed insults and disparagement of other leaders, urging them to cease such disrespectful behaviour.
Speaking at Mapera village in Kimilili constituency during the burial service of Noah Lusaka, brother to Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka who recently passed away in a tragic road accident, the leaders emphasised Wetang'ula's pivotal role in uniting the Luhya community, stressing the importance of according him the respect he deserves as the senior-most politician in the region.
Bifwoli cautioned against the vilification of Wetang'ula, highlighting his significant position as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
"As a region, it's time to join hands to achieve unity within our community for meaningful development and political recognition," he said.
Former Trade and Industry Minister, Kituyi, echoed similar sentiments calling for respect towards Wetang'ula by politicians who have joined politics recently.
He stressed the paramount importance of respect and courtesy towards leaders who have been in politics longer and are experienced.
He reaffirmed his allegiance to Ford Kenya party that is led by Wetang'ula and expressed readiness to collaborate with leaders, including Wetang'ula, towards achieving unity.
"I am the founding National executive director of the Simba party and my blood DNA is in this party, we can't allow to have this party folded no, never," he said.
He said time for politicking was over and residents are yearning for development that can only be attained through unity.
"As brothers from one house, let's show respect and love to each other."
Kombo also threw his weight behind Wetang'ula, admonishing those opposing him and emphasising the need for collective support to advance the interests of the Mulembe Nation.
He decried the divisive tactics employed by some leaders like Natembeya, attributing them to external forces aimed at derailing the region's unity efforts spearheaded by Wetang'ula.