Mudavadi, Atwoli plan rally to send Sifuna political message

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi gives his remarks during a meeting with bishops from churches in Vihiga County/OPCSPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced plans to hold a major political rally in Western Kenya in December to demonstrate the region’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

Addressing bishops from churches in Vihiga, Mudavadi said he will organise the meeting with Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli.

He noted that the meeting would bring together leaders and residents from the region to make a political statement.

“In December, we will have a very big meeting. You will help us to mobilise because we want to make a clear statement that Western Kenya cannot be taken for granted,” Mudavadi said.

“We are talking to Atwoli and others because we want one big meeting to make a clear statement that Western Kenya is firmly behind us and that we want to make a clear decision.”

He appeared to take aim at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has been stepping up efforts to consolidate Western Kenya behind the Opposition through the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Sifuna has emerged as one of the prominent voices in the Opposition’s efforts to challenge Ruto’s re-election bid, with his mobilisation gaining traction through engagements with regional leaders, including Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.

His political activities have, however, placed him on a collision course with Mudavadi and Atwoli, who are seeking to rally the Luhya community behind the President.

Mudavadi invoked his political prediction ahead of the 2022 general election, when he backed Ruto’s presidential bid despite opposition from several leaders in the region.

“In 2022, I told people we would win. I also told them after we win, Raila Odinga would join us, and you thought I was joking,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atwoli has also announced that the Bukhungu 3 meeting scheduled for December 26, 2026, in Kakamega, will bring together political leaders and residents from Western Kenya.

Atwoli has questioned Sifuna’s political ambitions, arguing that they could undermine efforts to consolidate the region’s voting bloc and its prospects of producing a presidential candidate in 2032.

“You heard Sifuna the other day telling people from this region not to listen to people like me. And then he is telling people to attend my December 26 meeting in Kakamega and declare support for him,” Atwoli said.