Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday claimed the Western Kenya region did not get positions as captured in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance agreement.
Speaking on Tuesday, Gachagua alleged that the community should have been given more Cabinet slots compared to the two that are currently there.
He said they should have at least six or seven people in the Cabinet.
“Mudavadi and Wetang'ula signed an agreement with the President that you'd get 30 per cent shares in the Kenya Kwanza government but never got it. The agreement said you'd get the seat of the Prime CS and the Speaker. It said you would get 30 per cent, which is about six or seven cabinet slots but now you only have two,” Gachagua claimed during an interview with Luhya radio stations.
In the documents he made public, the agreement partly states that the Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya, which represent Western Kenya would get 30 per cent of all appointive positions from the Cabinet, to Principals Secretaries, Ambassadors and Parastatals among others.
These positions would be shared equally by the two parties.
“ANC and FORD-Kenya shall have 30 per cent share of the positions in the National Government including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Chairpersons of State Corporations, Directors of State Corporations and Chairpersons and Commissioners of Constitution Commissions provided that the aforesaid 30 per cent share positions in the National Government shall be shared equally between ANC and FORD Kenya,” Article 21, clause (n) of the agreement deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties reads.
Gachagua further called on the Western region to ensure that it remains united ahead of the next general elections.
The former DP argued that the people of Western Kenya have, for many years, failed to rally together to strengthen their bargaining power, leaving them vulnerable to ridicule.
"It is sad that a large community like the Mulembe Nation is settling for leftovers. Why should such a populous group rely on pity and generosity when it has the numbers to lead? That does not make sense."
He also urged the Luhya community to align with his political camp, arguing that their unity could help them secure a key role in the next government.
"It is my prayer that the Mulembe Nation joins us in the winning team because, with their support, victory will be much easier," he said.
