Contrary to expectations of many, ODM leader Raila Odinga on Saturday skipped heated political debates during the burial of soccer legend Joe Kadenge.
At Vihiga, Mr Odinga instead dwelled on the achievements of Kadenge, arguing that the government should renamed City Stadium after him.
"I have talked to the president and Governor Mike Sonko. They have agreed with the proposal that they rename City Stadium after him," he said amid cheers.
Western region overwhelmingly voted for him but the region has remained divided with increased presence of DP William Ruto, who has made over thirty trips to the region since 2017.
Curiously, Ruto's ally Boni Khalwale, who campaigned for Raila in 2017, was absent from the funeral. He however excused himself in a Twitter post.
"Am so so sorry for missing today's burial of Joe Kadenge in Vihiga. It's because I was attending the Shilembe of the burial of Anthony Mulima in Shinyalu. My bull, Malinya, buried him. RIP bullfighter," he wrote.
But Raila's allies led by Makadara MP George Aladwa asked the region to unite, dismissing Dr Ruto's inroads to the region as a waste of time.
“Ruto should keep off Luhya politics. He should let us organise ourselves for 2022. We have our own leaders,” he stated.
"We will lay out our plans ... we will not accept to be planned. We want to send the message that we have leaders in Musalia, Wetang'ula and Wamalwa and that they should be respected."
COTU boss Francis Atwoli promised to unite Luhya leaders, arguing that he's determined to see the leaders from the region working together.
"Bukhungu II is coming. This time round, we will tell voters who to elect. MCAs you will decide but MPs, senators, governors and the President, we will tell you the direction to take," said Mr Atwoli.