Western Kenya Leaders Charting a New Path
A group of political leaders from Western Kenya, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have met in Nairobi to address the perceived leadership vacuum in their region. The leaders are organizing another significant meeting in Kakamega on Monday, which will bring together grassroots leaders from Vihiga, Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, and Trans Nzoia counties.
Governor Natembeya emphasized the need for this dialogue, stating, “There are those in leadership positions in government but we feel they are not concerned about the welfare of the community in Western.” He highlighted the gap in leadership and the necessity for new strategies to better serve the region’s interests.
Cleophas Malala reiterated the importance of the upcoming Kakamega meeting, saying, “We want to discuss our way forward as a community. We want to talk about how we will move and who do we court as friends.” This meeting aims to bring together various stakeholders to deliberate on the region’s future and forge alliances for mutual benefit.
Senator Edwin Sifuna expressed frustration over the current national leadership, noting, “Politicians from western would not have organised the meeting if there was leadership in the country.” Sifuna, who also serves as the ODM Secretary General, stressed that the gathering is not about attacking anyone but finding solutions for the region’s challenges.
The leaders are coming together amidst a backdrop of national unrest, with recent protests highlighting issues of unemployment, poverty, and inequality. The Kakamega meeting is seen as a critical step in addressing these issues at a regional level and ensuring that Western Kenya’s voice is heard in national discourse.
By organizing these discussions, Natembeya, Malala, and Sifuna hope to create a unified front that can effectively advocate for the region’s needs and contribute to the broader goal of national development and stability.
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