By Rasto Wamalwa
Strategic & Political Communications Consultant and Umoja Summit Party (USP) Secretary General, Dr. Barack Muluka, has intensified efforts to unite Western Kenya under the USP banner, urging regional leaders to abandon national political alignments and embrace homegrown parties.
Speaking at his Khwisero home, Muluka criticized National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, accusing them of failing to advance the region’s interests.
He stressed that true Luhya unity can only be achieved if leaders rally behind USP instead of aligning with national coalitions that have sidelined Western Kenya’s development.
“Luhya leaders have been following national political figures like Mudavadi and Wetang’ula blindly, without a clear agenda for the people they represent,” Dr. Muluka stated.
“We cannot continue folding our parties and losing our bargaining power. USP is here to provide an independent political home for Western Kenya.”
Dr. Muluka also criticized Mudavadi’s decision to dissolve the Amani National Congress (ANC) and merge it with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), warning that such moves weaken the region’s influence in national politics.
He further questioned the fulfillment of the 30% government share promised to Western Kenya in President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the region has yet to see tangible benefits.
While maintaining USP’s independence, he indicated that the party remains open to alliances—but only if they guarantee meaningful development and political influence for the Luhya community.
“As Western leaders, we must ask ourselves: Where is the 30% that was promised to our people? Have we truly benefited, or was it just another political deal that left us empty-handed?” Dr. Muluka posed.
“This is why we need a strong, independent political force that will genuinely fight for our people.”
Together with USP Party Leader Godfrey Kanoti, Muluka argued that past political alignments have failed to deliver real development for Western Kenya.
However, they acknowledged the reality of coalition politics, affirming that USP is open to alliances provided they are on equal terms that prioritize Western Kenya’s interests.
“USP is building a strong foundation, but we are not blind to the importance of alliances. If we must join one, it will be on our terms—not as passengers, but as equal partners,” they asserted.
As part of USP’s expansion strategy, Kanoti announced that the party is actively recruiting members not only across Western Kenya but also in other regions such as the Coast and Central Kenya to strengthen its grassroots presence.
He reassured supporters that USP remains independent, focusing on economic development, infrastructure, and job creation for the region.
“We are not looking for handouts or political deals in Nairobi. Our mission is to build a solid political movement that listens to and works for the people of Western Kenya,” Kanoti affirmed.
With a growing number of Western Kenya leaders showing interest in USP, Dr. Muluka is confident the party will gain momentum ahead of the next elections.
The coming months will be critical as USP works to establish itself as a viable alternative in Western Kenya’s political landscape.
Whether Dr. Muluka’s vision will reshape the region’s politics remains to be seen, but his bold stance has already sparked conversations among voters and leaders alike.
