Luhya leaders in Kilifi County led by the chairman of the Obuhambani Bwa Abaluhya Umbrella Unity Group Stephen Muchere during a meeting at a Malindi hotel on Thursday evening, April, 9, 2026 where they condemned the coronation of a splinter luhya group claiming that the imposters have been extorting money from politicians pretending to represent the Luhya community. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
A leadership wrangle has emerged within the Luhya community in Kilifi County, exposing deep divisions over representation and control of a group claiming to speak for more than 20,000 residents of Luhya origin.
The dispute follows a controversial coronation ceremony organized by a splinter faction, which installed Wilson Ahonga as chairman in an event held last weekend. The ceremony, attended by Amina Mnyazi and a section of Kilifi County officials, was notably snubbed by Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, despite reportedly being invited.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the leadership of the Obuhambani Bwa Abaluhya Umbrella Unity Group, with chairman Stephen Muchere dismissing the coronation as illegitimate and unconstitutional.
Speaking during a press briefing, Muchere accused the splinter group of undermining established structures and violating the organization’s constitution.
“We strongly condemn what transpired on Saturday, where a faction rushed to crown an imposter as Luhya chairman. Our constitution is clear on leadership, and I remain the duly elected chairperson. The confusion witnessed at the event speaks volumes,” he said.
Muchere further warned that disciplinary measures would be taken against those involved in organizing the ceremony and urged local leaders to exercise caution when engaging individuals claiming to represent the Luhya community.
“Any engagement with the Luhya community should be conducted through the legitimate leadership that I head. The splinter group chose to isolate itself after we conducted a lawful election,” he added.
Echoing his sentiments, Oscar Wafula, who represents Luhyas from Busia County within the umbrella body, emphasized the community’s political significance in Kilifi County.
“With over 20,000 Luhyas living and voting in Kilifi, our voice matters. While we respect elected leaders in the county, they must conduct due diligence to avoid engaging individuals masquerading as community representatives for personal gain,” Wafula stated.
Other community leaders, including Millicent Muhando and Merab Shibuyanga, reaffirmed their support for Muchere’s leadership, rejecting any attempts to create parallel structures within the community.
The Obuhambani Bwa Abaluhya Umbrella Unity Group brings together Luhya residents in Kilifi County drawn from Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Busia counties. The unfolding leadership dispute now threatens to undermine the cohesion and political influence of the community in the coastal region.
