Western Jubilee legislators allied to the Tanga Tanga group and Sabaot elders on Sunday met at the home of Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi in bid to drum up support for Deputy President William Ruto among locals.
Among those who attended the meeting are Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Bungoma Women MP Catherine Wambilianga, former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale, Malava MP Malulu Injendi and
Over 200 Sabaot elders drawn from Trans-Nzoia and Bungoma counties also turned up for the Sunday gathering.
Speaking at the meeting, the host MP Kapondi dismissed the meeting held in Trans Nzoia County in which Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya were given blessings to speak on behalf of the Luhya community.
The MP said that the meeting lacked the blessings of community elders, arguing that it was done by a self-proclaimed Saboat elder.
Kapondi said that the elders have only given their blessings to the Tanga Tanga group on behalf of DP Ruto.
On their part, the elders said they support President Uhuru Kenyatta and his agenda.
Once President Kenyatta’s term ends, the elders said, they will support DP Ruto for another 10 years.
The elders said that they support recent calls for Luhya unity but said such should include the Teso and Saboat since they are part of the Western region communities.
Former Kakamega Senator Khalwale urged locals in Mt. Elgon to support Dr Ruto.
Khalwale said that the 2022 presidential election is between DP Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga.
