By Fwamba NC Fwamba:WHY WAMALWA IS THE NATION’S GREATEST HOPE.

In Kenya’s political history, Saboti Member of Parliament, Eugene Wamalwa appears to occupy a unique space never occupied by anybody else before. Eugene Wamalwa has risen to national prominence at an early age unlike other great political icons from the Luhya nation. His current political status is akin to that which was enjoyed by Masinde Muliro shortly before the latter’s death in 1991 .At the time the latter who served as the interim Vice Chairman of FORD, was the key pillar that was to determine the reconciliation between the FORD factions; one that was led by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and the other that was led by Kenneth Matiba. The Luhya nation had hope in Muliro whom they totally identified with despite the fact that Muliro was not even a member of parliament. The Luhya nation believed that Muliro represented their aspirations in a process of determining and bringing political reforms in Kenya. Eugene’s rapid political rise can be compared to Masinde Muliro’s inspirational leadership which overshadowed the influence of people like Elijah Mwangale; the then powerful cabinet minister in Moi’s government. The overwhelming support Eugene enjoys is also similar in mannerism to the one that his elder brother and former Vice president Michael Kijana Wamalwa had shortly before the latter’s demise. By the time the former Vice President passed on, he had built a rich political career over a long period of time that could be traced back from the 1970s.Kijana Wamalwa had had a lot of ups and downs in his political life including frustrations that were deliberately brought against him by the Moi government. Kijana Wamalwa would have been the default successor to the Kibaki’s presidency had he been alive today. The late Vice President was a charismatic leader at the national level. He had also reached a level of full acceptance by the Luhya nation as their democratically endorsed de facto leader. The Luhya nation is currently the second biggest political block in the country after the Kikuyu ethnic block. For that reason, it’s easy to present a presidential candidate and with the support of other like minded political blocks can win the presidency so easily if the elections were held in accordance with the new constitution. The presidential candidate can only manage to get this support if the people at the grassroots understand this mathematics and potential. Going by the recently concluded By elections in Ikolomani constituency and Kimilili north ward, the people of western province appear to have finally decided to have their hope and political future espoused in a Eugene Wamalwa Presidency. In the two By-elections, people overwhelmingly voted for the New Ford Kenya candidates; the party identified with Eugene Wamalwa. Indeed, during the campaigns, the leadership of the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) vividly pointed out that the by elections were a rehearsal for the 2012 general elections.Dr.Boni Khalwale of New Ford Kenya won with over 54 percent of the vote in an election ODM had strongly and openly believed in own victory during the campaigns. The 23rd May By election results; as a rehearsal to the 2012 elections showed that the western province voters now identify themselves with Eugene as the symbol of Luhya unity and as a person the people need to coalesce around for future national political endeavours. Eugene, unlike the previous icons Masinde Muliro and Wamalwa Kijana, has managed to get this recognition at a much younger age. The recognition is timely because it has come at the moment when the whole world is advocating for young leadership. The Barrack Obama victory in the US’s 2008 presidential race changed the world. It’s Euphoric all over the world that the leaders whose age is below fifty are much more preferred in democratic elections than their older competitors. The situation and the age rhetoric has become so pronounced everywhere in the country. Kenyans are very keen on electing a young president. It’s a good coincidence for the younger Wamalwa that he is within this age bracket. Majority of Kenyan voters with time have started to notice what Jimmy Kibaki saw earlier than anybody else. The president’s son was the first prominent figure to publicly declare support for Eugene’s bid for the top seat. It was something that was with time adopted by many people. As time goes by, Eugene has continued to receive endorsements from different prominent people. Former Ford Kenya leader Musikari Kombo realised that Eugene was the people’s preference and decided to officially endorse the latter.Kombo’s selfless move was unexpected since many people tend to cling on opportunities even when the utility of the same belong somewhere else. The Tononoka rally and others that Eugene Wamalwa has addressed have demonstrated beyond doubt that his growing popularity is evident in all parts of Kenya. 19th of March 2011, was very significant in Eugene’s bid for the presidency when he officially received the endorsement of New Ford Kenya Party Leader and Minister for Housing Soita Shitanda. It is worthy noting that Shitanda is the only non-ODM minister from western province. Apart from that, Soita Shitanda hails from Kakamega; the second most populated county in Kenya after Nairobi and the most populated county in western province .Ikolomani too where New Ford Kenya triumphed against ODM in the by election is also in the populous Kakamega county. The indications are already rife that Shitanda intends to run for the County’s Governor Position while Khalwale is going for the senate of the same county. In Luhya land, Eugene and New Ford Kenya following is solidly in Kakamega, TransNzoia, Bungoma and Busia Counties. The same influence is rearing its head in Vihiga County. Even though the New Ford Kenya presidential candidate enjoys fanatical following in other parts of the country, this support cannot be taken for granted for without which his candidature will be like a house built on quicksand. This support is a case of ‘charity begins at home’ G7 is an opportunity and a dream for the future of Kenya. Its conglomeration of youthful leadership presents a prospect for real change in Kenya that will usher in a new era of leadership. It is a leadership that is privy to the current world developmental trends in information technology and modernity. It’s a leadership that represents the future aspirations of this country. The progressive young people of Kenya have a future and space in this political outfit. It’s under the coalition of this group that majority of the Kenyan youth will find space to grow politically. It’s under this coalition that the young leadership at different levels will seek elective positions in different parts of the country. In such a team, Eugene Wamalwa is in the right political direction and 2012 will be evidence enough to this effect. FWAMBA NC FWAMBA is a NEC Member of New Ford Kenya The views expressed herein are personal and do not necessarily represent the party’s position