Activist Calls on Luhya Nation to Rally Behind Mudavadi and Wetang’ula

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on the Luhya community to remain united behind Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, arguing that the two leaders remain the community’s strongest link to government, national influence and future development opportunities.

Ngetich, speaking through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret, said Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have demonstrated political maturity, reliability and a strong understanding of the social, economic and political concerns facing the Luhya nation.

He said the two leaders have continued to play a major role in the Kenya Kwanza administration and have earned the confidence of President William Ruto through their commitment to national unity, development and stability.

According to the activist, the Luhya community should avoid being divided by leaders who are pushing it toward the opposition without presenting a clear development agenda or long-term political strategy for the region.

Ngetich accused a section of opposition-aligned leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, of engaging in what he termed premature succession politics and self-serving campaigns aimed at misleading the Luhya community.

He claimed that some politicians were using the community’s numbers and political influence to bargain for personal positions, financial gain and relevance in the opposition.

“The Luhya community must be careful not to be auctioned by political brokers who are only interested in their own careers. The calls to reject the broad-based government are not about the future of the Luhya nation, but about individuals who want to harvest political mileage and resources ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Ngetich said.

He maintained that Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have a proven track record of leadership and have built strong networks across the country, making them better positioned to negotiate for the interests of Western Kenya at the national level.

Ngetich said the two leaders have adopted a practical and adaptive leadership approach, allowing them to respond to changing political and economic realities while maintaining a focus on development.

He added that their leadership is not based on rigid political positions, but on continuous consultation, strategic thinking and the ability to work with different leaders and communities across the country.

“The Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Speaker of the National Assembly are national leaders. They understand the importance of remaining connected to government, engaging other regions and ensuring that the Luhya community is not isolated from national decision-making,” he said.

The activist said the community has already started benefiting from the influence of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula in government, citing renewed efforts to revive sugar factories, expansion of road networks, infrastructure projects and economic empowerment programmes in Western Kenya.

He said the revival of the sugar sector remains a major concern for many families in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties, and called on leaders to support government programmes aimed at restoring the industry.

Ngetich argued that the Luhya community’s economic strength is built on agriculture, mining, trade, entrepreneurship and small businesses, adding that the region requires leaders who can secure government support, investment opportunities and national partnerships.

He said Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have the experience and political connections needed to push for policies that support farmers, traders, youth, women and local investors in Western Kenya.

The activist further said the two leaders are among the most trusted figures in President Ruto’s administration and remain key pillars in the government’s political and development agenda.

He claimed that a majority of Kenyans are likely to support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the President deserves another term to complete ongoing development projects and sustain economic reforms.

Ngetich said it would be politically unwise for the Luhya community to abandon government at a time when Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have created stronger working relationships with leaders from across the country.

He urged residents of Western Kenya to support the two leaders and protect the political gains they have made, warning that internal divisions could weaken the community’s bargaining power ahead of the next General Election.

“The community must not allow itself to be taken back to the opposition without a clear plan. Mudavadi and Wetang’ula understand the consequences of being outside government, and they are working to ensure that the Luhya nation remains at the centre of national politics,” he said.

Ngetich said the political journey of Mudavadi and Wetang’ula reflects the dreams of late Luhya leaders such as Kijana Wamalwa, George Kapten and Martin Shikuku, who advocated for a community that would have a stake in government and a voice in national affairs.

He said the late leaders believed in a politically united Luhya community that could negotiate from a position of strength rather than remain divided by personal interests and short-term political deals.

The activist added that Mudavadi and Wetang’ula have championed inclusivity and development beyond Western Kenya, noting that their national outlook has helped them build friendships and working relationships with leaders from different regions.

He said the two leaders have avoided tribal politics and instead focused on peace, stability and cooperation, which he argued are essential for Kenya’s continued growth.

Ngetich also challenged young leaders in Western Kenya to avoid being used to create division within the community, urging them to support experienced leaders while building their own political careers through service, integrity and development-focused politics.

He said the future of the Luhya nation depends on unity, sacrifice and leaders who can place the interests of the community above personal ambition.

“The Luhya people are hardworking Kenyans who contribute greatly to agriculture, mining, business and entrepreneurship. They deserve leaders who can open doors, attract investment and ensure that the region remains part of government,” he said.

Ngetich concluded by calling on residents of Western Kenya to rally behind Mudavadi and Wetang’ula, saying their leadership offers the community a stable political path, stronger representation in government and a chance to secure greater influence in the country’s future leadership.

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