By Lidahuli Kigudwa
September 22, 2025 – In a vibrant display of communal solidarity, the Luhya community residing in Nairobi's Karura ward hosted a pivotal meeting under the auspices of the Bulala Binding Cluster Karura on Sunday, November 21, 2024. Held at the Gachie Baptist Church, the session attracted over 300 enthusiastic participants from neighboring areas including Gachie, Mji wa Huruma, Githogoro, and the upscale Runda estate. The gathering underscored the community's resolve to amplify their voice in local politics amid growing calls for representation and inclusivity.
The Bulala Binding Cluster, a grassroots initiative aimed at fostering cohesion among the Luhya diaspora in urban settings, provided a platform for open dialogue on pressing electoral and social issues. Karura ward, nestled in the Westlands constituency, is home to a diverse mix of residents, but the Luhya population—part of Kenya's second-largest ethnic group—has long sought greater influence in decision-making processes that affect their daily lives.
Key Discussions: Voter Registration, Inclusivity, and the Imperative of Unity
Chaired by Busolo Ikatukhu, a vocal advocate known for her tireless work in championing Luhya interests in Nairobi, the meeting kicked off with fervent discussions on voter registration. Attendees emphasized the need for aggressive campaigns to boost enrollment ahead of upcoming polls, highlighting how low turnout has historically diluted the community's electoral impact. "We cannot influence change if our voices are not counted," Ikatukhu declared, rallying the crowd with calls for door-to-door drives in their respective neighborhoods.
Inclusivity emerged as another cornerstone of the conversation. Participants shared stories of marginalization in ward-level projects, from infrastructure development to youth empowerment programs. The session stressed the importance of integrating Luhya perspectives into local governance to ensure equitable resource allocation. "Our community contributes taxes and talent to this ward; it's time we see that reflected in leadership," one elder from Githogoro noted.
At the heart of the deliberations, however, was the clarion call for Luhya unity in electing a Member of County Assembly (MCA) from within their ranks. With five aspirants vying for the position, the group brainstormed strategies to consolidate support behind a single candidate. "Division is our greatest enemy," Ikatukhu reiterated, pointing to past elections where fragmented votes handed victories to outsiders. The meeting proposed structured dialogues and potential alliances to streamline the race, aiming to present a unified front that could reshape Karura's political landscape.
Aspirants Step Forward: Merging Paths for a Stronger Front
A highlight of the afternoon was the active participation of several MCA hopefuls, who engaged directly with constituents to address concerns and outline visions. Melchizedek Mwonyonyo, a community organizer with a focus on education, spoke passionately about leveraging unity to secure scholarships and school infrastructure for underprivileged youth. Griffin Lidahuli, affectionately known as "Microbe" for his innovative microfinance initiatives, pledged to champion small-scale entrepreneurship tailored to immigrant communities like the Luhya as well as emphasizing health and sanitation improvements in densely populated areas like gachie , Githogoro and Mji wa Huruma.
William Sudi, a seasoned local leader, rounded out the attending trio by declaring that the power of unity will deliver the MCA seat to the community.
Their presence injected energy into the room, with aspirants fielding questions on everything from job creation to cultural preservation.
Notably absent were Leonard Avogah and Atnas Wanyonyi, both of whom sent formal apologies citing prior commitments. The group extended well-wishes and urged their swift inclusion in future unity talks. Adding a broader perspective was Hon. Dixon Simbala, an emerging Member of Parliament (MP) hopeful for Westlands, who attended to pledge cross-level support. "What happens in Karura affects the entire constituency; your unity strengthens us all," Simbala affirmed, hinting at collaborative campaigns.
The aspirants collectively endorsed the merger idea, agreeing to form a selection committee to evaluate strengths and facilitate a consensus candidate by early 2026. This move, if realized, could mark a historic shift, positioning the Luhya community as a formidable force in Nairobi's devolved governance.
A Resounding Success: Looking Ahead to Empowered Representation
As the sun set over Gachie Baptist Church, the atmosphere was one of optimism and resolve. Hymns and traditional Luhya folk songs closed the proceedings, blending faith with cultural pride—a fitting emblem of the community's multifaceted identity. Over 300 voices, united in purpose, signaled that the Bulala Binding Cluster's efforts are bearing fruit.
For the Luhya in Karura, this meeting was more than a discussion; it was a blueprint for empowerment. As Kenya approaches its next electoral cycle, initiatives like these remind us that true progress begins at the grassroots, one unified step at a time. Community leaders like Busolo Ikatukhu vow to build on this momentum, with follow-up sessions planned to monitor voter drives and merger progress.
In a city as dynamic as Nairobi, where ethnic diversity fuels both challenge and opportunity, the Karura Luhya's journey toward inclusive leadership serves as an inspiring model. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
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