How the “Bukhungu Declaration II” made Francis Atwoli Western Kingpin

In the relatively short history of Western Kenya, the “Bukhungu Declaration II” organized by Francis Atwoli has marked a major turning point and landmark movement that will irrevocably alter the political direction of the region.

The event held at Bukhungu Stadium on 31st December 2021 has signaled the possible and dramatic rise of the COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli as the new political kingpin in Western Kenya.

While it is debatable to say that the ANC leader, Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, could be the most senior politician from the Western, the current political hiccups he is facing in his backyard are geared towards watering down his political influence in the region.

The ANC leader has failed to consolidate the Luyha Nation votes into one bucket, he appears unprepared to run for president, currently experiencing massive political defection from his party, and the growing influence of young, vocal, ambitious, and radical politicians like Cleophas Malala in Western Kenyan has taken the spotlight from the once unchallenged Western Kingmaker.

These tributes have paved the way for KANU hardcore loyalist and Firebrand trade unionist Francis Atwoli, 71, to take up the mantles of power in Western Kenya.

Francis Atwoli has been in the headlines for his numerous meetings to unite Western and finally displayed his massive influence in western politics during the “Bukhungu Declaration II.” The political event drew many leaders across the Western region, including numerous political defectors from ANC and Jubilee Party. All the leaders present publicly declared their support for ODM Party Presidential candidate Raila Odinga under the Umbrella movement of Azimio la Umoja.

The flamboyant trade unionist has managed to avert the Mulembe Nation's impending political isolationism by providing a clear political direction for Westerners through the Azamio la Umoja movement.

Moving forward, it is debatable to say that the western nation is in safe hands under the leadership and guidance of a strong leader like Francis Atwoli.