A fresh political storm is brewing inside the Azimio coalition after one of their own MPs kicked off an anti-Raila campaign just two years to the 2027 elections.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has openly called on the Luhya community to walk away from Raila Odinga’s leadership, blaming him for years of neglect.
Speaking on Sunday, Salasya said it is time for the Luhyas to stand on their own feet and stop being used by political leaders who do not value them.
According to Salasya, for over 20 years since the death of Kijana Wamalwa, the Luhya community has been loyal to Raila without seeing much benefit.
“We have filled his rallies, we have voted for him loyally, but when it comes to sharing the national cake, we are left out,” he said.
He added that the only way to regain respect is by denying ODM party all seats in the region from MCA to governor level come 2027.
Salasya praised past leaders like Masinde Muliro and Kijana Wamalwa for fighting to unite Luhyas, saying it is now the right time to revive that spirit.
“We are not waiting to be called, we are making our own way,” he said, adding that many parts of Western Kenya, including Bungoma, Kakamega, and Trans Nzoia, are already moving away from ODM.
He also mentioned that the Luhya community has been treated like a political machine useful only during elections but forgotten immediately after. “It is time we stop giving blind loyalty,” he said.
Interestingly, Salasya said he is still thinking about his own political future — whether to defend his Mumias East seat, run for president, or even become a running mate.
The move by Salasya is expected to trigger more political tension inside Azimio as Raila struggles to hold his house together ahead of a critical election season. Analysts say this early rebellion shows Raila may face bigger battles even inside his own camp if he does not act fast.