Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Luhya community have intensified calls for Western Kenya to be considered for the deputy president (DP) position in the 2027 general elections arguing that the region’s huge voting bloc and longstanding political loyalty deserve recognition at the highest level of government.
The MPs among them Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Sirisia MP John Waluke said the Luhya community has for decades supported different political formations but has not been rewarded with the country’s second highest office.
Speaking at Bumula Constituency grounds during the issuance of Sh6 million Uwezo Fund cheques to 83 groups on Friday, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka urged President William Ruto to consider selecting a running mate from the Luhya community in the next election cycle.
The event was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Wycliffe Oparanya.
Wamboka noted that the Luhya community remains the second largest ethnic bloc in Kenya and therefore deserves a greater share in national leadership.
“The Luhya community is the second largest in the country and we have supported other communities for a long time. The time has now come for us to also occupy the deputy president’s seat currently held by Prof. Kithure Kindiki,” Wamboka said.
The vocal legislator also used the platform to accuse National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of frustrating leaders from the Western region whom he claimed are pursuing independent political positions.
Wamboka linked his removal from the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Governance and Education to political differences with the Speaker.
He further alleged that Speaker Wetang’ula blocked Sirisia MP John Waluke from being appointed to a senior position in government.
“Even Waluke, whom you are seeing here was supposed to be appointed commissioner but he was blocked by Wetang’ula. I want him to stop interfering with my politics and allow me to serve the people of Bumula peacefully,” Wamboka stated.
The MPs allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement proposed CS Wycliffe Oparanya as the most suitable candidate from the Luhya community to deputize President Ruto in the 2027 polls.
They described Oparanya as an experienced administrator with a strong political network across Western Kenya.
Wamboka also revealed that the release of the Uwezo Fund followed intervention by CS Oparanya after the kitty had reportedly been frozen over alleged irregular transactions during the previous constituency administration.
According to the MP, the disbursement will go a long way in empowering women, youth and persons living with disabilities through small business ventures and economic activities.
At a separate function in Sirisia Constituency during the burial of Henry Wekesa Nato, Sirisia MP John Waluke also rallied behind the push for a Luhya deputy president, saying the community should no longer remain on the periphery of national leadership.
“We also want power, just as ODM leader Dr. Oburu Odinga has always said. The Luhya community deserves recognition because of the support we have consistently given to successive governments,” Waluke said.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga echoed the sentiments, urging leaders from the region to unite and avoid divisions that could weaken their bargaining power ahead of the next elections.
Meanwhile, Bungoma’s UDA nominated Senator Conny Wakwabubi challenged Luhya leaders to embrace unity if they are to successfully negotiate for top political positions in the country.
“We must speak the truth to ourselves as the Luhya community. Every election cycle, our leaders begin well united, but as the polls draw near, divisions and personal interests emerge, weakening our bargaining power at the national level. Unless we learn to rally behind a common agenda and one voice, we shall continue missing key leadership opportunities in this country,” Senator Wakwabubi stated.
