Teso Council of Elders has endorsed the unity bid spearheaded by most leaders from Western Kenya.
The elders said they support Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Council of Governors Chairman Wycliffe Oparanya, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and Trans Nzoia Senator Michael Mbito to unite the Luhya, Teso and Sabaot (LUTESA) communities.
The communities live in Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia Counties.
In a statement read by former Busia County Assembly Deputy Speaker, Moses Otee, the elders said the unity will bring development and peaceful co-existence.
The Iteso underscored its unwavering support to the Handshake, Building Bridges Initiatives and efforts by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Rt Hon Raila Odinga for their efforts in unifying and transforming communities in the region through the Mabanga accord.
The elders endorsed the resolutions by five Governors and 40 Members of Parliament and Senators on 29th May 2020 in Kajiado and welcomed their decision to work together.
“We urge the four Senior leaders to reach out to communities to advance the development agenda regionally and nationally,” he said.
CS Wamalwa thanked the Teso Council of Elders for endorsing Governor Ojaamong to spearhead their interests at regional and national levels.
He called on the Iteso to live in peace to realize their socio-economic development.
Oparanya emphasized that the 2022 journey has started with the President and former PM leading the way.
Governor Ojaamong advised the community to look at the wider picture, noting that they cannot live in isolation without their colleagues from the Luhya and Sabaot communities.
“The aim of these meetings is unity and to back President Kenyatta and former PM Raila to bring all Kenyans together,” he said.
Luhya Council of Elders chairman Patrick Wangamati witnessed the Iteso unveiling their resolutions before a packed press conference.
Others present included former Ministers Fred Gumo, Noah Wekesa, Musikari Kombo and Iteso Cultural Union Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Itella.