2. Mudavadi and Governor Lusaka Urge Mulembe Nation to Ditch Opposition Politics for Government Alignment

WESTERN KENYA: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka have cautioned voters and leaders in Western Kenya against making Opposition politics a permanent fixture, warning that it remains a counterproductive end that hinders local development.

Speaking during a joint regional media engagement hosted by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma at his residence, the two leaders stated that Opposition politics is characterized by continuous lamentations, grievances, and petitions rather than delivering actionable solutions.

Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, emphasized that being in the Opposition should only be an unintended outcome of an electoral loss, never a political objective.

“We should not approach politics casually or take the Opposition as a hobby,” Mudavadi stated. “We must be ambitious and aim to form Government. Being in the Opposition is a result of bad luck during elections, not a granted prayer or an ambition.”

He urged the Mulembe nation to draw lessons from the pragmatic approach of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who consistently sought partnerships with incumbent governments following elections to foster regional development instead of remaining in perpetual grandstanding.

Echoing these views, Governor Lusaka—who chairs the Lake Region Economic Block—termed embracing Opposition as a lifetime goal as “retrogressive”. He pointed out that tangible progress—including new tarmac roads, modern hospitals, industrial parks, airstrips, and agricultural support—can only be delivered by aligning with the government in power.

“You can only implement your manifesto after forming Government,” Lusaka said. “In the Opposition, the best you can do is complain and hope someone listens.”

The media briefing was attended by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, while Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo was absent due to official duties at the COP 31 climate conference in Turkey. The next edition of the joint media engagement will be held in Bungoma County.

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