Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya has rebuked Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya for claiming the Luhya community is poor.

Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, July 8, Natembeya suggested that the Luhyas are the poorest community in the country.

He based his argument on the standard of living and the kind of jobs by people from the Mulembe nation occupy, which he primarily blamed on poor politics.

"I think we, the Luhyas, are the poorest community in this nation. Just look at the kind of lives our people live and the menial jobs they do all over the country. Someone gives birth in Murang’a, and they immediately want a house girl from Vihiga. Someone wants a watchman, they’ll look for a Luhya. Grave diggers are Luhyas. And it’s all because of how we do our politics," Natembeya said.

However, remarks by the Trans Nzoia governor did not go down well with Salasya, who immediately dismissed Natembeya's claims.

In a strongly worded statement, the Mumias East lawmaker accused Natembeya of playing politics of personal interest.

"I really don't want to be seen as fighting Western leaders but I feel so sorry when I see my friend Natembeya talking politics of personal selfish interest. Remember, this politics of tribal cards is what is messing us as a country," Salasya said.

Salasya questioned Natembeya on the number of jobs he has created for youths, given that he is the head of Trans Nzoia county.

"My brother you are the governor of Trans Nzoia and Kitale town alone, your county is bleeding with many jobless youths at Matisi. What have you done on as governor in terms of creating job opportunities other than the goons in Kitale town? We must also be realistic in your capacity as governor. How many graduates have you sponsored to negotiate for jobs you're talking about?" Salasya posed.

The youthful lawmaker asked the governor not to profile the entire community just because he wants to be at the negotiation table.

According to Salasya, Luhyas are not ashamed of the work they do, including being watchmen and maids.

"If you want to be on the table, don't profile us this badly when we are talking national unity and a better you bringing us to the table politics ....It's simple, we as a community never used to embrace education, and you can't expect a watchman or a maid to be a CS.

"Let it be known: Luhyas are not ashamed to work. We are proud of our sweat. We build, we serve, we lead , with both hands and heart. And we will not be intimidated or humiliated by cheap political tongues looking for claps in empty halls," he stated.

During his interview, Natembeya claimed the Luhya community remains Kenya’s poorest despite its massive population and voting power.

He explained why Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are to blame for the lack of tangible progress in the region.

Natembeya painted a bleak picture of economic marginalisation, saying Luhyas are over-represented in low-paying, thankless jobs.

The governor urged for better political negotiation and fairer representation, explaining the fate of communities without a seat at the table.

Source: TUKO.co.ke