Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has come out in strong defence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, urging leaders from the Western region to end public squabbles and foster dialogue for the sake of unity and political influence.
Speaking during a church service at St. Mary’s Ndengelwa Catholic Church on Sunday, Lusaka criticized the ongoing verbal confrontations among leaders from the Mulembe nation. He warned that internal divisions could erode the community’s standing on the national stage.
“It is unfortunate that some of our leaders are shouting at each other in public instead of engaging constructively. We must learn to convince and dialogue, not abuse one another,” said Lusaka.
The governor particularly condemned recent attacks on Sifuna, who is also the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), terming them unnecessary and counterproductive. “Edwin is one of us. If you disagree with him, talk to him with respect and try to persuade him—do not insult him,” he stated.
Sifuna has been at the center of political tension within ODM following his public criticism of the party’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He recently declared the ODM-UDA arrangement “effectively dead,” citing the government’s failure to fulfill a joint 10-point agenda.
In response, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma called for Sifuna to resign from his roles as Senate Minority Leader and ODM Secretary-General—calls that Sifuna has rejected, asserting only party leader Raila Odinga can remove him.
Governor Lusaka urged Western Kenya leaders to set aside differences and focus on collective progress. He pledged to initiate reconciliation efforts, including reaching out to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.
“We must speak with one voice so that we can achieve more for our people,” Lusaka emphasized.
He also highlighted the benefits of working closely with the national government, citing the recent Sh7 billion allocation for a Level 6 referral hospital in Bungoma as a result of his cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
Lusaka’s remarks signal a call for maturity and unity in Western Kenya politics, aimed at amplifying the region’s influence through dialogue and collaboration.
