The Luhya Elders Forum has called for an urgent meeting involving top ODM figures in Kakamega to discuss what they described as government “systematic marginalisation” of the Mulembe nation in key economic and political sectors.
The meeting, held at Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega, brought together 76 elders drawn from all constituencies of the Luhya community.
It was chaired by Patrick Wangamati, Noah Wekesa, Fred Omido, and Peter Ludava.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi attended the session, pledging to amplify the concerns raised by the elders.
The forum produced a set of resolutions aimed at defending the community against what they described as disenfranchisement in key sectors.
At the heart of their deliberations were three main issues: the future of the sugar industry, activities in the gold belt, and the proposed nuclear project in neighbouring Siaya County.
On the sugar sector, the elders criticised the government’s handling of the Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories, which they claim have been leased and sold through an “opaque” process.
They warned that the decisions would have long-term consequences for the welfare of Luhya children.
“These are consequential actions that will affect the economy and the welfare of Luhya children for many generations,” they said.
The elders further said sugar importation networks were contributing to instability in the sector, noting that the issue also affects the neighbouring Luo community.
In a show of solidarity, they declared their intention to work with the Luo Council of Elders.
“We propose to work with the Nyanza region in synergy to address the problem of systematic marginalisation of our people,” they declared.
Attention also turned to the proposed nuclear power project in Siaya County.
The elders expressed concern over potential risks, insisting that the Mulembe leadership must be fully involved before any approval is granted.
“Our attention has been drawn to the safety concerns with respect to the risks of cancers and other existential threats to the region,” they warned.
They emphasised that the risks of radioactivity could affect groundwater, fish, humans, and Lake Victoria, making the issue one of regional rather than county concern.
The forum also raised alarm over issues linked to Western Kenya’s gold belt. They highlighted the use of advanced satellite-based hyperspectral imaging technology, which allows foreign prospectors to identify mineral wealth long before engaging host communities.
“The hyperspectral imaging technology detects from outer space the unique ‘molecular’ fingerprints of minerals and other compounds in how they absorb and reflect light. Currently, those with this technology in developed countries can detect the gold that lies under your house. By the time they arrive in Ikolomani, they have already formed shell companies in conjunction with powerful politicians. You are to be displaced after being paid amounts that are nonsensical. Your ignorance is exploited,” they added.
To counter this, the elders expressed a desire to work with other communities along the gold belt.
“We must collaborate with our brothers in the Gold belt that extends from Kakamega through Kisumu, Siaya, up to Migori and Narok,” they said.
They demanded an immediate joint meeting with leaders from Kakamega, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Narok to compare notes and build a common front against exploitation.
The political dimension of the elders’ statement was equally forceful. They claimed that many actors were deliberately sowing division to weaken the Luhya voice.
“It is in the selfish interest of many political players to divide the Luhya nation,” they said.
To counter this, the forum announced the formation of a working group composed of elders, professionals, business leaders, and political figures to spearhead structured engagements.
“This is the only fair approach in which a consensus can emerge so that we do not become the victims of a few political brokers,” the forum declared.
ODM leaders present at the meeting pledged to take up the concerns raised. Sifuna, in a statement on his social media pages, confirmed that he had been summoned by the elders and felt compelled to honour the invitation.
“The Luhyia Elders forum summoned my brother Senator Godfrey Osotsi and I for a consultative meeting in Kakamega this morning. Key amongst the concerns was the process of privatisation/leasing of sugar mills, the matter of gold mining in Ikolomani and the proposed Nuclear plant in Siaya. We have promised to amplify these concerns in our respective capacities to ensure fairness and justice to the people of the region,” his statement reads in part.
Osotsi echoed the commitment, assuring the elders that ODM would remain responsive to their concerns.
“Together with our ODM Party Secretary General, Hon. Edwin W. Sifuna, we honoured the summon by the elders and briefed them on the current happenings within our party, which the region has heavily invested in. We clarified the issues they raised, addressed their concerns frankly and assured them that ODM remains firmly on the right path. These consultations are not a formality. Today, the elders made it clear on what our community expects,” he stated.
The resolutions adopted in Kakamega underscore the urgency with which the elders want the issues addressed.
Their call for a joint meeting with leaders from across Western Kenya signals a determination to build alliances beyond the Luhya community, particularly with the Luo and other communities affected by similar challenges.
They said the Mulembe nation will not stand by as decisions are made that they claimed threaten their future.
