Luhya Elders Caution Western Kenya Leaders Against Political Alignment with Ruto and Raila
The Luhya Council of Elders from Likuyani Sub-county has issued a strong warning to elected leaders from Western Kenya, urging them to reconsider their growing political alignment with President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. According to the elders, such affiliations are misguided and serve neither the interests of the community nor its long-term political goals.
During a recent press address, the council expressed disappointment in the region’s political representatives, particularly condemning their perceived sycophancy toward President Ruto. The elders singled out area Member of Parliament, Innocent Mugabe, for what they described as unwarranted praise directed at the Head of State for initiating development projects that remain incomplete or inactive.
“It is disheartening to witness our leaders heap praise on President Ruto for launching development initiatives that are, in reality, stalled and unproductive,” said Lucas Gavala, Chairperson of the Luhya Council of Elders. “As a community, we must question this behavior. It seems aimed more at gaining public relevance than championing meaningful progress. We urge our people to stand united so that, come the next election, we can send these leaders home.”
In a sharp critique of Raila Odinga, the elders declared that the former Prime Minister should no longer count on the support of Western Kenya voters in the upcoming 2027 General Election. They accused Odinga of taking the region’s support for granted for many years, offering promises that have yet to be fulfilled.
According to the council, Odinga’s recent political engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration has largely been of benefit to his native Luo Nyanza region, to the exclusion of Western Kenya. The elders cited this as a clear indication that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) under Odinga no longer prioritizes the interests of the Luhya community.
“ODM lacks the political goodwill to uplift the people of Western Kenya,” Gavala emphasized. “We recall the 2022 campaign promises, during which Raila pledged that the National Treasury docket would be awarded to someone from the Luhya community should he form government. Not only did he fail to secure victory, but following his rapprochement with the Kenya Kwanza administration, he ensured that key positions went to his Luo allies.”
In light of these developments, the council is advocating for a new political direction for the region. They have advised all elected leaders from Western Kenya currently allied with Kenya Kwanza to shift their allegiance to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), led by former Cabinet Minister Eugene Wamalwa.
According to the elders, consolidating support around DAP-K will enhance the region’s political cohesion and bargaining power ahead of the next general election. They believe that Western Kenya needs to build a more autonomous political identity—one that is not beholden to the interests of outside political actors.
“The time has come for Western Kenya to forge its own path, with its own political machinery and clear leadership,” said Gavala. “Aligning with DAP-K is the first step in that direction. We urge our leaders to stop playing second fiddle in national politics and start representing the true aspirations of the people who elected them.”
In a related announcement, the council revealed plans to formally unveil Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya as the region’s political spokesperson. Natembeya, who is currently serving his first term as county governor, has been spearheading a grassroots political initiative known as the “Tawe Movement”—a platform that promotes regional unity and self-reliance.
Despite his rising popularity, Natembeya has faced accusations of advancing tribal politics. However, he has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that his focus remains on inclusive development and transparent leadership.
“We see in Natembeya a leader who can articulate the community’s interests without capitulating to national political pressures,” Gavala noted. “His Tawe Movement has awakened political consciousness across counties in Western Kenya. Formalizing his role as our spokesperson is a step toward realizing a more unified and empowered regional front.”
The elders emphasized that the move to back Natembeya is not a rejection of national unity but rather a call for fair representation and respect for regional diversity in the country’s political landscape.
“We are not seeking isolation from national politics,” Gavala clarified. “Our message is simple: Western Kenya must stop being treated as a voting block to be used and discarded. We must invest in our own leadership and support those who have demonstrated commitment to the region’s development.”
The statements from the Luhya Council of Elders reflect growing dissatisfaction among sections of the Western Kenya electorate who feel marginalized in the national political discourse. As the 2027 elections approach, these sentiments could significantly influence the region’s political dynamics.
Whether the region will coalesce around a single leader or party remains to be seen, but the elders’ message is unequivocal: Western Kenya must prioritize its own interests and chart a path defined by unity, development, and true representation.
Source: TUKO
In Other News: Chelsea Legend John Obi Mikel Tours Kenya, Conducts Football Clinics in Nairobi
Luhya Elders Caution Western Kenya Leaders Against Political Alignment with Ruto and Raila
