Musalia Mudavadi and Eugene Wamalwa in a crowd. The two are engaged in a political supremacy for the Western region. [Photo/Standard]
Sparked by a disagreement between ANC leader and Water CS Eugene Wamalwa early in the week, the political supremacy in Western Kenya has continued, with more leaders airing their views.
Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo has now joined the debate, accusing Mudavadi of ‘having bad political manners’.
“I have made it clear to everybody including the CS that as area governor, I was very unhappy with what happened. Wamalwa has always attended this important occasion just like other Mulembe people. This was indeed regrettable,” said the governor as quoted by Standard.
The incident was sparked during the Luhya cultural event early in the week, where Wamalwa was heckled and his motorcade forced to turn away by angry youths.
Mudavadi, who was then addressing the crowd, distanced himself from the incident but said Wamalwa never informed them of his attendance.
There are fears that the incident might create bad blood between the Bukusu and Maragoli, with elders moving to try salvage the situation.
The elders sent an apology letter to Wamalwa, regretting that the incident happened.
On behalf of Vihiga Cultural Society, we the undersigned, wish to express our deepest regret for what happened at Mbale on the occasion of the annual Logooli cultural festival. You have been a regular visitor to this annual event. Unfortunately, it so happened that this time around the crowd was unexpectedly hostile to you,” read the letter in part.
The incident sparked debate on the supremacy battle for western Kenya between Wamalwa and Mudavadi, who is in Jubilee and NASA respectively.