A section of elders and clerics from the Western region are making frantic efforts to reconcile political leaders from the Luhya Nation who fell out ahead of the August 9 elections. Concerns are being raised over bad blood between top leaders from the community, some of whom do not see eye to eye.

In focus is ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses  Wetang’ula, former Speaker Kenneth Marende, Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya.

Top Luhya leaders have taken hardline positions since the last polls, raising concerns this would have negative impacts on local development.

Two camps have emerged, pitting Mudavadi and Wetang’ula on one side against Oparanya, Atwoli and Wamalwa on the other.  The two groups belong to Kenya Kwanza and Azimio political outfits, respectively.

But a section of elders from the region and church leaders, said yesterday the situation would be detrimental to development. “There are many pressing matters in the Western region that need concerted efforts between our political class to tackle. But this can only be achieved if they put behind the August 9 polls and focus on how to unite for a common purpose,” said Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe of Catholic Church, Kakamega Diocese.

Several elders said they were equally trying to reach out to the respective leaders to find a truce. “We are talking to our leaders with the main purpose of ensuring that the community is united in confronting the challenges facing our people. They can compete politically but remain friends and focus on the ball,” said Mzee Ibrahim Ambwere, a veteran businessman.

Some of the leaders have filed court cases against one another, with the most visible being between Mudavadi and Atwoli.