President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga kicked out two governors, an MP and Members of the County Assembly from a meeting with elected Luo leaders only.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae, his Nyamira counterpart Governor John Nyagarama, and Kitutu Chache North MP Jimmy Angwenyi who had earlier joined Luo Nyanza governors, senators and MPs at the meeting were urged to excuse themselves.
Members of the Kisumu County Assembly who were at the State Lodge were also requested to leave.
“You are kindly requested to excuse yourselves as the President wishes to meet elected leaders from Luo Nyanza, excluding the MCAs,” Orengo announced.
According to the Nation, Deputy President William Ruto and Migori Governor Okoth Obado were also not present at the meeting.
The meeting took place on Thursday night at the Kisumu State Lodge after the launch of a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) pilot project at the Mamboleo showground.
Orengo set the tone when he urged President Kenyatta to consider backing Odinga in 2022 in the spirit of the handshake.
"We would be happy if your excellency considers offering your support for Odinga to continue with your March 9 peace deal of uniting the country and enhancing good governance," Orengo reportedly told the President.
Speakers at the meeting argued that victims of the poll violence from the region were left out when their counterparts from other parts of the country were compensated by the government.
The leaders also impressed upon the Kenyatta to have the Standard Gauge Railway run from Naivasha to Kisumu to open up the region to economic opportunities.
