Nandalwe defends Atwoli, says unionist out to unite Luhyas

Ignore efforts by trade unionist Francis Atwoli to unite Luhya leaders at your own peril, an aspirant for a parliamentary seat has warned politicians from Western Kenya.

The Central Organization of Trade Union Secretary General has been holding meetings in effort to unite Luhya presidential hopefuls to come up with a single candidate to battle it out with others in the 2017 polls.

Mr Moses Wanjala Nandalwe who is seeking to unseat Sirisia MP John Waluke, told the Nation on Wednesday that Mr Atwoli’s efforts should be supported as he seeks to find a leader capable of uniting the community.

“The Luhya community has lacked a unifying figure in politics since the death of former vice president Kijana Wamalwa and now, Mr Atwoli has stepped in to try and find a leader who will unite the community as the late Wamalwa did. He should therefore be supported in this noble quest,” said Mr Nandalwe.

He added: “Mr Atwoli would have decided to enjoy his wealth with his family as selfish politicians do but he has decided to work tirelessly for the good of the community and this gesture deserves commendation.”

Mr ‘Moneybags’ who is preparing to host Cord co-principal Raila Odinga in Sirisia constituency during his forthcoming tour of Bungoma County, has urged leaders spreading propaganda that Mr Atwoli has a preferred candidate to stop lying as such propaganda will only end up dividing the community further.

“Mr Atwoli will name the candidate to lead the Luhya people in a rally slated for March next year at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega which will be attended by Luhya leaders and technocrats,” said Mr Nandalwe.

The former Kenyatta University student leader has also scoffed at those who have been advancing speculations that the Cotu boss has been mobilizing the community to rally behind President Uhuru Kenyatta.

To him, Mr Atwoli is working for the benefit of the community and not an individual as he harbours no political interest.

“At no time will Atwoli stoop that low. He is a respected figure the world over serving as the vice president of International Labour Organisation and one of the most respected leaders in this country,” added Mr Nandalwe.

The former youth leader recently decamped to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), from Moses Wetang'ula's Ford Kenya, a party he intends to use to battle for the Sirisia parliamentary seat.

He says he is confident of capturing the Sirisia seat currently held by rebel ODM MP John Waluke in 2017 polls.