Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka on Tuesday advised Luhya leaders, among them Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, to make meaningful alliances in a bid to strategically position themselves in readiness for the 2022 presidential polls - a contest in which DP William Ruto is viewed as a front-runner.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Lusaka stated that the current approach where the leaders were calling for Luhya unity was not the best towards national politics.
"I’m not against Luhya unity but we must use a different approach in handling the current situation.
“Politics is about numbers. As leaders from the Luhya Community, we must build bridges of friendship with other communities,” he stated.
[caption caption="Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka"]
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Speaking during a fundraiser Mungavo PAG Church in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County on Monday, the Senate speaker reiterated his advice to the Luhya leaders.
“Some leaders out there are calling for Luhya unity alone, forgetting that there are over 40 other communities out there. We are a populous community but we must work with like-minded people to advance regional and country-wide development," he stated.
He further recalled how the decision to dissolve the New Ford Kenya to join Jubilee propelled him to gaining his current position as the speaker of the Senate.
“As party leader of New Ford Kenya, the decision to dissolve the party was not an easy one. But after prayers and vast consultations, I decided to close a Kiosk so that we build a Supermarket. My election as Senate Speaker is a testament to the fruits of formidable partnerships,” Lusaka conveyed.
However, on Tuesday, Mudavadi sought to set the record straight by clarifying that the unity party was not a tribal alliance rather an initiative to tap into the western voting bloc.
“We aren’t advocating for a Luhya community party. That’s what the forces that want to keep the community in captivity will sell to you. It is a label fearful opponents are busy burying their heads under,” he was quoted by the Standard.
[caption caption="Musalia Mudavadi"]
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