The Luhya community has announced their new spokesperson replacing Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi.
In a national declaration made by Western Region Elders, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was handed over the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Mulembe Nation, during the Azimio la Umoja movement event held on Friday, December 31 at the Bukhungu Stadium.
“Western elders unanimously hand over Oparanya as Luhya community leader with whom you [Raila Odinga] will negotiate the interest of the community in your government,” the declaration read.
Oparanya takes over from Mudavadi who was has held the same position since 2016 when the first Bukhungu Declaration was convened.
The ANC party leader who skipped the event was reportedly invited by COTU boss Francis Atwoli while addressing the press on Tuesday, December 28.
Politicians allied to Mudavadi led by Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala dismissed the invitation, saying the meeting was a coronation exercise for Raila Odinga’s State House bid.
But Luhya Elders have gone ahead to pick ODM Deputy party leader who will be tasked with pushing for the interests of the vote-rich region ahead of the 2022 polls.
During the same Azimio la Umoja event, the leaders further pledged that the Luhya community will only vote for candidates allied to movement in other elective positions.
The Luhya community elders further resolved to mobilise the community to support and vote for the Former Prime Minister in 2022 General Election.
The event was characterised by high-voltage politics,such as defections with those making headlines including the pronouncements by ANC deputy party leader Ayub Savula to support Raila in his presidential bid.
One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals had earlier dismissed the meeting as a plot aimed to promote Odinga's presidential campaign in the western region.
Instead, Mudavadi indicated that he would attend finals of a football tournament organised by Senator Malala.
On his part, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula shared his detailed itinerary on Friday, indicating that he was preoccupied with FORD Kenya engagements.