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Fresh push for Luhya unity ahead of 2027 poll
Makadara MP George Omwera Aladwa (left) and politician Vincent Shimoli attend the Nairobi Mulembe Summit at Bukhungu Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi on May 4, 2025.
The recent grand homecoming of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i and subsequent rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties seem to have jolted Luhya leaders to revive their quest for a united ‘Mulembe nation.’
Luhya leaders drawn from Nairobi county at the weekend kicked off yet another initiative to have the region speak in one voice.
In a meeting that attracted hundreds of representatives from the 17 constituencies in Nairobi, a section of elected leaders, opinion leaders, and locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the frequent cracks among the key leaders from the region.
The meeting called for a truce and unity before they could rally behind one leader from the region for purposes of negotiation in the run-up to the 2027 presidential elections.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cooperatives and MSMEs CS Wycliffe Oparanya, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna snubbed the meeting, attracting anger among the members.
Makadara MP George Omwera Aladwa speaks during the Nairobi Mulembe Summit at Bukhungu Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi on May 4, 2025.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, who addressed the ground in Bukhungu area, Kibra constituency, said that the community risks losing its influence if the top leaders do not speak in one language.
“2027 is approaching. They must come together and give us direction. Other communities are coming together. Recently, we saw the Abagusii people meeting as well as other communities. Let them come together, and if they delay, we will convene our meeting and make a decision for ourselves,” Mr Aladwa said.
Accordingly, Mr Aladwa, who is the ODM Chairperson in Nairobi County, reiterated that their meeting should not be perceived as a tribal meeting since other tribes have been doing the same.
“We cannot sit and wait as other communities come together. We have started the journey here in Bukhungu to align our issues as Luhyas, and our unity is important,” Mr Aladwa said.
During the meeting, the leaders agreed that the community should be sensitised to register as voters in large numbers to allow them to retain top seats in Nairobi, including the governor position.
They also asked Governor Sakaja to arrange frequent meetings with the locals and strategise with them on how to maintain his seat even as he continues to engage with other communities in the City.
Several leaders from Nairobi County, including Makina Ward MCA Rosemary Masitsa, echoed the need to have unity among the community.
Governor Sakaja, who skipped the meeting, was represented by two Chief Officers, including Sports Chief Officer Oscar Igaida, and Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Start-ups David Sande Oyolo.
The Sports Chief Officer announced that Governor Sakaja would be meeting with the community and assured them that his promise to renovate Bukhungu social hall is still in line.
Mr Oscar, Mr Igaida and Mr Sande called for unity, saying that the Luhya people should think of capturing more seats in the county, including at least 35 wards and eight MP seats.
Trans Nzoia Governor Geoffrey Natembeya and Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli have also been urged to join forces and give the community the way forward.
Last month, Governor Natembeya announced that he would not succumb to criticism from his detractors, saying that he would keep pushing for Luhya unity.
“My politics goes beyond tribalism. I talk about the unity of the Luhya community for the purpose of the community getting its rightful share in government, just like other communities in the country,” Governor Natembeya said.
It also comes amid ongoing campaigns in Mt Kenya region by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asking leaders and residents to unite in order to speak in one voice.