NASA principals at Kakamega Golf Hotel, Kakamega County, Sunday January 7, 2018.[Photo| @CoalitionNASAKe]"We the leaders of the Western Region, representing the Counties of Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga and Trans-Nzoia, gathered here today to confer and consult on our regional agenda for the People’s Assembly.We are honoured by the presence of our President H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga and Deputy President H.E. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, Hon. Moses Wetang'ula and leaders from other parts of the Republic who have graced this historic occasion.Western Kenya and the Lake Basin region in general has borne the brunt of political and economic marginalization since independence, as a result of the independent Governments continuing with the colonial policies that consigned this region to be a reservoir of cheap labour. This region was at the forefront of the second liberation and we remember our gallant sons Elijah Masinde, Masinde Muliro, Martin Shikuku and Kijana Wamalwa who fought fearlessly in the liberation struggles.The second liberation struggle culminated in the 2010 Constitution in which the people of Kenya agreed to embrace democracy, inclusive politics and equitable development.
The flagrant breach of this covenant gives us no option but to join hands with other marginalized regions to chart a new political destiny for ourselves and our future generations. To this end, we have hereby resolved as follows:•To reiterate that we do not recognize the illegitimate presidency of Uhuru Kenyatta, and to state in no uncertain terms that we shall not accept the institutionalization of sham elections in Kenya. There will be no business as usual until a democratically elected President assumes office.•To reiterate our unwavering support and loyalty to H.E Raila Amolo Odinga, the rightful President of the Republic of Kenya, and the NASA Coalition.•To participate and support fully the People's Assembly process until we restore democracy or go our separate ways.•To pursue more vigorously and purposefully than ever the unity of the Luhya nation as the platform for renegotiating the Kenyan nationhood with other communities and regions.•To make it clear that we shall no longer tolerate economic marginalization and sabotage of our economy, in particular the exploitation of our forest resources by outside investors without benefit to the people, the destruction of the sugar industry by politically protected cartels and profiteers, as well as the continued discrimination in infrastructure investment by the national government.•To state in no uncertain terms that any further attempts to subvert democracy and the rule of law, in particular the use of state violence, will leave us no recourse but to pursue self-determination.SIGNED AND DATED,THE WESTERN PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLYSUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 2018KAKAMEGA.