Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has announced that he will unveil a united Luhya presidential candidate for the 2017 general election.
Atwoli said that it was time people from the Luhya community fielded their own aspirant instead of being used by other groups as a bridge to State House.
The trade unionist stated that talks are at an advanced stage and the contender will be named in the first quarter of 2017 in Kakamega.
“Those who are not believing what we’re doing will be surprised that Luhyas can vote for one candidate,” Atwoli is quoted by the Star during an interview on Tuesday.
The Cotu boss added that the community will use its numbers and unity to negotiate with other presidential hopefuls.
“In 2017, we will negotiate with Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka and any other willing politician using our numbers. Luhyas feel they have been abused long enough and should now claim their rightful place in leadership,” added Atwoli.
Several Luhya leaders have already shown interest in the 2017 presidential race.
Among the leaders is Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya, United Democratic Party (UDP) Cyrus Jirongo and Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi.