Written by Protus Simiyu
2012-07-07 20:29:00
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 Trade Minister moses Wetangula and the justice and Constituional Affairs Minister eugene Wamalwa hold hands as a symbol of unity after they resolved to unite and work together. they were speaking at the burial of the Late Bukusu preacher jonh Manguliech at Miruri Village of Bungoma. [PHOTO | Nandemu Barasa | West Fm]
Political rivals joined together Saturday to mourn the late renowned Bukusu Preacher John Ngonelo Manguliechi who was laid to rest at his Miruri home in Bungoma County.
Trade Minister Moses Wetangula met with Justice and constitutional Affairs Minister Eugene Wamalwa and resolved to work together ahead of the General Elections.
Wamalwa disclosed that in order for the region to clinch the leadership of this country there is need for them to let go their past differences and have a unity of purpose.
He said he will be on the fore front to ensure the much awaited unity in western province is achieved, “I am ready to work with my brothers seated here,” Wamalwa declared.
The Justice Minister said the late Manguliechi was among the leaders who fought for Luhya unity insisting that as leaders they have an obligation to unite as a sign of respect to the fallen King of “Lufu” a ritual performed to elderly people after burial.
He did admit that they are engaged in talks as leaders from the region in a move to ensure they only have a single presidential candidate in the forth coming elections.
“If you want to go far, go alone. If you want to go further, go with others, and I don’t want to walk fast instead I want to walk with my brothers so that we can go far,” he said.
Wamalwa said they will soon announce to residents of the region the outcome of their talks while being optimistic that “united they are strong divided they are weaker’’ he said.
On his part, the Trade Minister Moses Wetangula accused those against the unity between him and the Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa saying they are meant to fail.
He said the luhya community which constitutes of 18 percent has 6 presidential candidates insisting that without uniting they will not make it in the forth coming general elections.
Wetangula noted that their unity surpasses individual interests while insisting that they are serious to unite so that they are not charged harshly with history.
He said those who are out to benefit from the either presidential candidates will not make this time “we must talk as a family; we must talk as a group in order to move forward.
Wetangula appealed to UDFP presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi to stop walking alone and engage other leaders in talks as a group and not as individuals in the interest of the luhya community,“If we go to the polls separately will divide the luhya community.”
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Political leaders led by Kimilili MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu, Trade Minister Moses Wetangula, Lugari Mp Cyrus Jirongo, Assistand Lands Minister Wakoli Bifwoli, nominated Mp Musikari Kombo and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa at the burial ceremony
The Trade Minister challenged residents of Western region not to give room for leader who are out to divide the community on tribal and political lines.
Forestry and Wildlife minister Dr. Noah Wekesa said as elected leaders and aspirants of respective elective posts have a task to unite the luhya community.
He said he is ready to join other leaders from the luhya community to ensure they unite together according to the wish of the residents of the region.
“As leaders we must unite and work together so that the luhya community is respected in the Kenyan political leadership. We are being engaged in talks and we urge you to be patient. There are some things that we cannot say here but just wait,” Wekesa said.
Lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli pointed out that leaders from Bukusu Community must unite before going out to unite with leaders from the rest of the luhya community.
“We cannot pretend to be fighting for the luhya community when we at home we are divided,” he said.
Wakoli said he is leading talks between the trade Minister Moses Wetangula and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa to make sure they work together while pointing out that they will soon hold a public rally at the famous Masinde Muliro stadium in Kanduyi to announce the final report of their talks.
‘’If they don’t agree, then we will be compelled to put them in a board room so that they can decide who to be the presidential candidate, and anybody who will reject the wish of the people should not be supported,” Wakoli challenged the electorate.
Nominated Mp Musikari Kombo said time had come when the Sabaoti Mp and Sirisia legislator Moses Wetangula must work together.
He was optimistic that the ongoing talks between the two leaders will succeed to end the long divisions in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties.
Lugari Mp Cyrus Jirongo said he has been on the fore front to achieve luhya unity saying he is ready to unite with other leaders from Western region to work under one party.
“It is not just about unity but I want to walk with a group that is commited to restore fairness across the country,” he said.
Jirongo said luhya community should learn from other regions and ensure they only have a single presidential candidate in the forth coming elections.
On his part, West Fm board Chairman Dr. George Masafu, said the late Manguliechi was a true leader and a close friend who had wise counsel to all.
He noted that the late was always available when sought for to offer his counsel on radio.
Other leaders who attended the burial ceremony included former Mps Laurence Sifuna, Joash Wamang’oli and John Munyasia and Livestock PS Ken Lusaka among others. Switch to Our Mobile Site |
