Western Kenya leaders back Sakaja, Cite Nairobi development record

The leaders spoke on Saturday during the burial of Lucy Kubasu, Sakaja’s aunt, in Bushiangala, Ikolomani, Kakamega County.

Those present included Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, nominated ODM Senator Catherine Mumma, Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi, UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, Stanley Livondo, and Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala.

In their remarks, several leaders urged Kenyans to focus on development and service delivery rather than ethnic-based politics.

Shinali said leaders should be judged by their performance and what they have delivered to the public.

“We should put tribal politics aside and look at what leaders have achieved. Governor Sakaja’s track record is there,” he said.

Nabwera called on the Mulembe community to rally behind Sakaja politically, while also urging him to strengthen ties with the region.

“The Mulembe nation should come together and support Sakaja. For us, we shall not give that seat of the Governor to anyone other than Sakaja,” he said.

Senator Mumma singled out the cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and the national government, saying it had opened the way for additional resources for the city.

She said Sakaja was the first governor to sign the agreement as provided for under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, adding that it had helped unlock more funding for Nairobi’s development.

The leaders said the arrangement could support infrastructure expansion and improve service delivery in the capital.

Ng’ondi also praised Sakaja’s working relationship with the Nairobi County Assembly, saying the county had experienced greater political cooperation under his leadership.

He noted that despite being elected on a UDA ticket, Sakaja had managed to work with ODM MCAs, helping to maintain stability in the assembly.

Omar Hassan said Sakaja would continue receiving political backing, whether under UDA or through the current broad-based political arrangement.

At the event, some leaders also made local political declarations, including support for Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda in a possible gubernatorial contest against incumbent Governor Ferdinand Barasa.

Muhanda, while paying tribute to her late sister Lucy Kubasu, described her as a dependable and devoted family member.

Sakaja also eulogized his aunt, describing her as a strong pillar in the family.

“She was always there when we needed her as a family. She was always there for people, and we shall return the favor just as she was,” he said.

The event also featured appeals for support toward local community initiatives, including fundraising for the Kakamega Church of God and Bushiangala Secondary School.