By James Okoth
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has cautioned political leaders in Nyanza against engaging in what he termed a destructive wave of witch-hunts and political mudslinging targeting Luo leaders already serving in government.
Speaking during a public function in Migori County, Nyamita urged leaders, particularly those close to the President, to use their access to power constructively by lobbying for more appointments and development projects for the region, instead of discrediting those already in office.
“Those who have the President’s ear should not spend their time naming who should be fired,” Nyamita said. “They should use that access to lobby for more opportunities, more development and more representation for our people. That is how regions grow and gain strength.”
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed tension within Nyanza’s political class, following the widely publicised feud between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo. The clash, which attracted nationwide attention, laid bare long-standing mistrust and competition among Luo leaders in and outside government circles.
The public fallout between the two leaders sparked a national conversation on the state of unity within the region, with many Kenyans expressing concern that personal and political rivalries were beginning to undermine collective progress.
Nyamita, a vocal advocate for pragmatic leadership, said such divisions only weaken the region’s influence and bargaining power in national politics.
“When we begin fighting each other publicly, we lose credibility and make it easier for outsiders to dismiss us,” he warned. “Nyanza must stand together, because unity is our strength and disunity our greatest weakness.”
The Uriri legislator further cautioned that leaders fuelling internal divisions and smear campaigns risk being publicly exposed in the coming year.
“If this continues, early next year we will begin naming those sabotaging progress through backdoor politics,” Nyamita said. “The people of Nyanza deserve progress and not endless political quarrels that serve no one.”
Nyamita also appealed to politicians to stop targeting civil servants unfairly, urging them to let technocrats perform their duties without fear of political victimisation.
“We cannot build Nyanza by attacking our own officers,” he said. “Let civil servants do their work. Political witch-hunts only slow down service delivery and development.”
His remarks were met with approval from residents and local leaders, who said the persistent infighting has overshadowed key priorities such as job creation, youth empowerment and infrastructure development.
Political observers note that Nyamita’s statement reflects growing frustration among reform-minded leaders keen to steer the region away from personality-driven politics and towards a shared vision of progress.
As the year draws to a close, Nyamita’s message strikes a chord across the lakeside counties as a reminder that unity, tolerance and focused leadership remain the cornerstones of Nyanza’s advancement.
“This is not the time to fight our own,” he concluded. “It is the time to stand together and build a stronger Nyanza, one that honours our past and secures our future.”
