Western Kenya leaders gathered in Kakamega on July 29, 2024, to address political and development issues in the region.
This meeting, known as the Mulembe People’s Assembly, was led by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The aim of the assembly was to amplify the voices of the people and address the gaps left by senior leaders.
Amid growing political pressure and recent protests by Gen Z, the leaders discussed the need for accountability from both the government and long-serving leaders.
The youth, who had recently staged anti-government protests, were particularly vocal about their frustrations.
One of the youth at the meeting expressed their concerns, saying, “We have had Bukhungu 1 and Bukhungu 2, but they haven’t helped us.
We want change; our friends are still in custody, they should be released.” Another youth questioned the leaders, “I want to ask these Mulembe Nation leaders, we haven’t seen even one Gen Z leader.
Tell us something else; we want to know if you have come to sell us to the highest bidder?” Governor Natembeya emphasized the need for unity and respect for the Luhya community.
He stated, “We are the second-largest community, yet we have never touched the presidency. Who is the spokesperson for the Luhya? And if the Luhya leadership does not satisfy us, what will we do? We say tawe (no).
When it’s time to hunt, we hunt together; when they eat, they eat alone, while the community remains silent.” The leaders called for mass voter registration, political investment in the youth, and unity within the community.
Cleophas Malala, another leader present at the meeting, said, “I have not come here to ask you to join my party, just as Natembeya has not come to ask you to join his party. We are here to unite as a community for the sake of development.”
Natembeya further added, “Let us use the power of the votes to lift Western out of poverty, but only if we speak with one voice.” This call to action was met with enthusiasm from the attendees, who were eager to see tangible changes in their region.
Despite initial confirmations of attendance from ODM and other Western Kenya leaders, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, none of them attended the meeting.
This absence was noted by some leaders, who mentioned that many Western leaders skipped the event due to its perceived bias. There are plans for a parallel grand meeting led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
This meeting in Kakamega comes ahead of President William Ruto’s anticipated tour of the Nyanza and Western regions. The leaders in Kakamega stressed the importance of unity and working together to achieve their goals.
The recent Gen Z protests have highlighted the frustrations of the youth in Western Kenya. They have been calling for more representation and action from their leaders.
The meeting in Kakamega provided a platform for these voices to be heard and for the leaders to address their concerns.
The Mulembe People’s Assembly is a step towards addressing the issues facing the Luhya community. By focusing on unity and political investment in the youth, the leaders hope to bring about positive change in the region.
The call for mass voter registration is particularly important as it empowers the community to have a stronger voice in the political process.
By increasing voter turnout, the Luhya community can ensure that their concerns are addressed by those in power.
Political investment in the youth is also crucial. By involving young people in the political process, the leaders can ensure that the next generation is prepared to take on leadership roles and continue the work of improving the region.
0 Comments