Poor voter registration and apathy prevents Luhyias from ascending to presidency, says Wetang’ula
Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula. He has accused the government of using intimidation by attempting to open a case that was closed more than a year ago. PHOTO | CHEBET CAROLINE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The senator said there was no harm in several leaders from the community fronting themselves for the country’s top seat.
- He said the elusive Luhyia unity was only secondary.
- Mr Wetng’ula said he is in talks with Mr Mudavadi but noted that he would be seeking the Luhyia support for the presidency in 2017.
- He further noted that support from the community alone would not accord one the presidency, a move that he said made him join Cord.
Senate Minority Leader Moses Wetang’ula has blamed poor voter registration and apathy on polling day for failure by the Luyhia to clinch the presidency.
He said the elusive Luhyia unity was only secondary.
According to the Bungoma Senator, though the community was the second largest in Kenya, it had failed to use its numerical strength to gain political power.
“Our main problem is not about uniting to support one of us. Our problem is that we fail to register as voters and do not turn out during elections.”
“We have to ask ourselves how we seek leadership before asking us to unite,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
He was speaking in Vihiga County on Thursday.
NO HARM IN SEVERAL SEEKING TOP SEAT
The senator said there was no harm in several leaders from the community fronting themselves for the country’s top seat.
“We all have a right to seek elective positions.
“Even central (Kenya) had more than one presidential candidate in the last election,” said the senator.
Other than Mr Wetang’ula, Amani National Congress leaders Musalia Mudavadi is among leaders from Western who have expressed interest in the seat.
Mr Wetng’ula, however, said he was holding talks with Mr Mudavadi but noted that he would be seeking the Luhyia support for the presidency in 2017.
“It is up to the people to decide on who between us should go for the top seat,” said Mr Wetang’ula.
He further noted that support from the community alone would not accord one the presidency, a move that he said made him join Cord.
“There is no automatic ticket in Cord. The three of us will battle it out for the Cord ticket,” he said, referring to himself, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.
