Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula and Amani National Congress (ANC) boss Musalia Mudavadi have managed to absorb Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in the Mulembe Unity bid.
Mudavadi and Wetangula have been trying to realize Luhya unity since the 2017 general election, but their pact seems to have had very minimal results so far.
Speaking during the Vihiga County Gala Awards in Vihiga County on Sunday, Wetangula revealed that their efforts have been under frustration from a section of area lawmakers who have been preaching a different narrative.
“The 'Mulembe nation' is united but we have a group of MPs who are spreading propaganda that the region will never speak with one voice,” the Ford Kenya leader was quoted by the Standard.
On his side, Oparanya declared his support for the unification bid, adding that he would be willing to shelve his presidential bid for the 2022 general election if the union brings forward a better candidate from the community.
“I would be a fool to insist on vying when I know either Wetang’ula, Mudavadi, Eugene Wamalwa or Ken Lusaka stands a better chance of clinching the presidency," said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party boss.
Present leaders including Emuhaya lawmaker Omboko Milemba and area Deputy Governor Patrick Saisi endorsed the union.
A section of area leaders have also been preaching Deputy President William Ruto's gospel and other seen to be lenient towards the opposition leader Raila Odinga's side.