Atwoli: Mudavadi is Luhya top leader
Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi speaking during the requiem mass of Church of God East Africa (Kenya) Arch Bishop Byrum Makokha in Nairobi on September 8, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Mr Atwoli's choice of Vihiga to assert that Mr Mudavadi is still the community's spokesman was profound.
- The Cotu boss noted that the choice of Mr Mudavadi in 2016 as the Luhya spokesman was still in force as no other selection process had been done to replace him.
Mr Atwoli, who is among the leaders rooting for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), appeared to challenge the Amani leader to quickly identify himself with the initiative.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary-general Francis Atwoli has moved to quell anxiety arising from a recent meeting he hosted at his Kajiado home, where he declared Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as the top Luhya leaders.
Speaking at the burial of long- serving archbishop of the Church of God, Rev Byrum Makokha in Kima, Vihiga County, Mr Atwoli said ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi had not been replaced as the Luhya spokesman.
The meeting at Mr Atwoli’s Kajiado home in May was seen as having spearheaded the dethroning of Mr Mudavadi.
Mr Atwoli's choice of Vihiga to assert that Mr Mudavadi is still the community's spokesman was profound.
The declaration by the Cotu chief went down well with Mr Mudavadi's supporters, who welcomed the assertion.
The Cotu boss noted that the choice of Mr Mudavadi in 2016 as the Luhya spokesman was still in force as no other selection process had been done to replace him.
Mr Atwoli explained that the meeting at his Kajiado home was a forum called to strategise for the community's future.
Mr Mudavadi, Mr Wamalwa and Mr Oparanya were present at the well-attended funeral.
"Musalia Mudavadi was made (Luhya) spokesman in 2016 and we have not picked another person. The meeting that was held at my Kajiado home was a strategy forum," said Mr Atwoli.
He went on: "What we have to do is undertake panel beating on Mudavadi to make him President. If he delays, he should not blame anyone. He should read the radar and see the direction where people are going."
Mr Atwoli, who is among the leaders rooting for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), appeared to challenge the Amani leader to quickly identify himself with the initiative.
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala said he recognises Mudavadi as the community's top leader. Mr Malala noted that Mr Wamalwa and Mr Oparanya's role ends with seeking development for the regions.
Mr Mudavadi welcomed the sentiments by Mr Atwoli and said he should not be let to walk alone in his quest for the presidency.
"Atwoli is a powerful and good man. I have no problem with him. If we (Atwoli and I) play on one side, we will score a goal," said Mr Mudavadi. Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa called for the community's unity. "I see here all the leaders from western Kenya. Let us not look at the politics of who is powerful but work on the politics of empowerment," said Mr Wamalwa. Governor Oparanya read President Kenyatta's condolence message.
