Tongaren MP Eseli Simiyu has accused Western Kenya people of allegedly being negligent when it comes to civic rights like registering as voters.
At a function at Kimilili on Monday, Dr Simiyu claimed that most people from the region are not registered voters despite their huge numbers in population.
He wondered why someone like retired footballer McDonald Mariga had never bothered to register as a voter, only to resurface when he was persuaded to run for Kibra by-election race.
Dr Simiyu, who doubles as Ford Kenya Secretary General, asked residents to make use of continuous voter registration ahead of 2022 polls.
"One of our brothers McDonald Mariga the other day said that he's going to contest in Kibra by-election. However, he had not registered as a voter. That is the habit of Luhya people.
"Stop such bad manners.Mariga just registered two weeks ago as a voter, an indication that he has never voted for anyone. Any now, he wants to be voted in! Stop boosting, go and get registered," he said.
On Monday, Mr Mariga was cleared by IEBC to run for Kibra by-election on Jubilee ticket, a week after the same institution had barred him on grounds that he wasn't registered.
"We make the conclusion that the complainant was duly registered as a voter. The respondent (Returning Officer) decision of September 10, 2019 declining the nomination of the complainant is hereby set aside,” said Wafula Chebukati.
Luhyas are the second biggest tribe in Kenya after Kikuyus. However, the highest post one of their own has held in government is Vice President post.
The post came through former Ford Kenya chairman Michael Wamalwa who died in 2003. Later, he was succeeded by Moody Awori, also a Luhya.