On Political Ringside, a recent discussion brought together views on the political position of the Mulembe Nation, the Luhya community in Western Kenya, and why its large population has not always translated into strong national influence.
The conversation featured youthful senatorial aspirant Larry Chisiang’ani, who is contesting the Kakamega County Senate seat under the United Democratic Alliance. He explained that despite the community’s numbers, there are internal issues that weaken its collective political strength.
Larry, who works in the Senate and also runs a business in Nairobi, described himself as a progressive voice among 13 aspirants in the Kakamega Senate race.
Speaking in the discussion hosted by Fridah Mong’are, he said the Mulembe Nation often fails to convert its population size into real influence because of lack of unity and shared strategy.
According to him, leaders from the region frequently take different positions on key issues, which reduces their ability to speak with one voice.
He pointed out that unity among leaders tends to appear only during social events such as funerals, but fades when elections approach.
At that point, individual interests take over, and coordination becomes weak. Even respected elders and past influential figures have not managed to maintain consistent alignment that could guide the community politically. As a result, internal divisions continue to affect how the region engages with national leadership.
Larry added that this situation has made the Mulembe Nation more of a voting bloc than a negotiating partner in national matters.
In some cases, national leaders have selected allies from the region mainly to secure votes, rather than building deeper political partnerships.
He suggested that the community needs to address its internal organization first in order to gain stronger bargaining power at the national level.
He also discussed the role of youth in the region, noting that many young people are active during campaigns but less engaged during actual voting. Some expect financial incentives before they participate, which reflects short-term thinking.
He observed that youth lack strong structures that would allow them to organize effectively. Clan dynamics also influence decisions, with elders often supporting candidates from their own groups, which can limit opportunities for younger aspirants.
Confidence and communication challenges were also mentioned. Some young people struggle with public speaking or prefer using English instead of local languages when addressing local audiences, which can create a sense of distance.
Larry argued that politics should not be viewed as requiring large amounts of money, but rather clear vision, consistent messaging, and strategic planning, especially for those starting at lower political levels.
He further noted that ongoing government projects in Kakamega County, including the development of a level six hospital, road improvements, and plans for a dairy plant, show some progress in the region.
He said that working with the government could help accelerate the completion of such projects, including those that have remained unfinished from earlier periods.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Larry emphasized the importance of voter registration, particularly among the youth.
He encouraged efforts to significantly increase the number of registered voters in Kakamega County, noting that large numbers of new voters could strengthen the region’s political voice. He also called on young people to take initiative, build networks, and move beyond being used mainly for campaign mobilization.
He highlighted the need for civic education so that voters make decisions based on policies, leadership records, and long-term interests rather than emotions, tribal loyalty, or short-term gains.
Larry also suggested that older political leaders should consider stepping aside when appropriate to allow space for new leadership, while encouraging stronger organization at the grassroots level.
The discussion presented a clear view of both the challenges and opportunities facing the Mulembe Nation.
