Luhya Community Must Unite for 2027, Says Barasa

By Jael Sada

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged the Luhya community to unite ahead of the 2027 elections in order to enhance their political influence and prepare for a potential presidential bid in 2032.

Speaking in Malava, he called on Luhya leaders to consolidate their votes in 2027 in order to gain political relevance.

"We are 10 million people in the Western region, and when we unite, we can move mountains just like the Central region of Kenya," he said.

Barasa emphasized that the Luhya community's habit of splitting their votes among candidates has diminished their bargaining power, and stressed the importance of a unified approach.

"When we unite, we will have a stronghold and a voice to support a presidential candidate from the Western region," he said.

In addition, Barasa appealed to leaders in the Western region to maintain good relationships with each other by enhancing mutual respect and avoiding vulgar language when addressing their colleagues in leadership positions.

"I urge all leaders to respect each other and refrain from using vulgar language to address other leaders, as it only serves to embarrass them or gain favor from people," he said.

Barasa made these remarks during the burial ceremony of former CECM John Barasa Wangwe in Malava Constituency. The event brought together leaders from Western Kenya and sparked renewed calls for unity among the region's top politicians.