Bukhungu III will shake the politics of Kenya - Atwoli

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli now says the upcoming meeting of leaders drawn from the Western Kenya region at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County will rattle the country’s political landscape.

The meeting, a third of its kind, hence aptly named ‘Bukhungu III,’ is primarily convened in a bid to maintain Luhya unity and make grand political decisions by consensus.

According to Atwoli, the convener, the Luhya community is united under a common voice, hence the declarations that will be made at the conference will be significant in shaping the direction of the country’s politics.

"Luhyas are not divided and have never been divided. The narrative about Luhya unity is farfetched since what we witness is only a few dissenting voices which is normal in a community of over 10 million people, but the truth of the matter is that we are more united and together than ever," said Atwoli.

"I always tell my people that I will one day witness the crowning of a Luhya President and that is why when we will have the Bukhungu III, we will shake the politics of Kenya and that is the reason why as leaders we are working on more unity and cohesiveness with the Mulembe people."

Atwoli was speaking on Saturday when he accompanied Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to the funeral service of the late Mama Rose Nabalayo Mudavadi in Shiveye, Kakamega County.

Other leaders present included former Attorney General Amos Wako, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma, Vihiga Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, Vihiga Women Representative Beatrice Adagala, MPs Omboko Milemba and Fred Ikana and former MP Alfred Agoi,

According to a statement sent to newsrooms by the Prime CS’ press team, the leaders jointly resolved “to support Musalia Mudavadi's leadership as the Western Kenya kingpin saying he means well for the Mulembe people and Kenya at large.”

The Bukhungu III announcement comes just a day after the highly controversial Limuru III meeting held on Friday by a section of leaders from the Mt. Kenya region to chart a path forward for the community.

The leaders announced the formation of the HAKI coalition which they said will push for the region's interests and unity under the guidance of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom they insisted remains their spokesperson.

The meeting has however come under sharp criticism, including from allies of President William Ruto who termed it as a divisive way of tryingto push an agenda and undermine the government of the day.

The Bukhungu meeting was last held in December 2021, during which a declaration was made to support the presidential candidature of opposition leader Raila Odinga at the 2022 polls.