You’ve no power to choose Luhya spokesman, Wetang’ula tells Atwoli

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula has told Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli to stop interfering in the region’s politics and “confusing the Luhya community”.

Mr Wetang’ula said that Mr Atwoli is the greatest hurdle that has been interfering with Luhya politics every election year.

Speaking during an interview on Radio Maisha on Monday, Mr Wetang’ula insisted that Mr Atwoli has no authority to choose spokespersons for the Mulembe nation.

“Atwoli is a failure. He has failed to cushion the Kenyan worker whose salary is deducted to enrich him. Majority of workers, especially in flower farms and industries are suffering. What has he done to help them? Let him stick to his mandate and leave politics to politicians,” said the embattled Ford Kenya party boss.

‘STICK TO YOUR JOB’

The senator asked the Cotu boss to stick to his job and stop pretending to be speaking on behalf of the Luhya community.

Mr Wetang’ula termed the appointment by Mr Atwoli of Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa and Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya as Luhya spokespersons as a sham.

“Atwoli has no authority to choose any politician as the Mulembe people spokesperson. He is a failure himself. Let him stop chest thumping because nobody appointed him as our patron,” said an agitated Mr Wetang’ula.

He said that Mr Atwoli is being egocentric and not genuine by inviting a few leaders to his Kajiado home and allegedly appointing two of them as the community’s spokespersons.

HIDDEN AGENDA

“I and my ANC counterpart Musalia Mudavadi were never invited by Atwoli. This means he had a hidden agenda and self-interests towards leaders he could easily manipulate. We are not part of the dubious meetings,” he said.

Senator Wetang’ula stated that the Luhya unity will only be realised once all leaders from the region come together and speak in one voice unlike now when there is a push and pull among them.

At the same time, he insisted that his journey to State House is unstoppable and asked Kenyans of goodwill to support his 2022 presidential bid.

DP RUTO

He also denied having endorsed Deputy President William Ruto for the top seat, adding that they are all presidential material and there is no way he could support his rival.

“You have seen me crisscrossing the country from Mombasa to Turkana, Kuria to Embu and Garissa to Busia. Why should I be wasting resources and energies if I am supporting Ruto? That is propaganda being peddled by people with ill intentions,” said Mr Wetang’ula.

The senator’s sentiments come at a time when word is going round that Mr Atwoli is planning for a meeting at Bukhungu Stadium to endorse Mr Oparanya and Mr Wamalwa as the region’s spokesmen.