Nuru Okanga, a political firebrand known for his blunt and dramatic rhetoric, recently made headlines after launching a scathing attack on Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. In his fiery remarks, Okanga accused Mudavadi of being a selfish and stingy leader whose political career has done little to uplift the Luhya community.
Okanga’s claims were delivered with a humorous yet biting anecdote:
“Nilienda kwa Mudavadi nikakula sukuma wiki, wakati mbwa wake inapewa nyama bila mifupa kilo 30. Mudavadi is very stingy, ndiyo maana Waluhya hawafaidiki na uongozi wake!”
Behind the laughter that such statements invite lies a deeper political critique. The imagery of a visitor eating sukuma wiki while a dog feasts on thirty kilograms of meat is not merely an insult but a symbolic expression of inequality, elitism, and the perception of detachment between political leaders and the common mwananchi.
The Question of Mudavadi’s Leadership
Musalia Mudavadi has held senior government positions for over three decades, ranging from Finance Minister to Deputy Prime Minister, and now as Prime Cabinet Secretary. Despite this longevity, critics argue that his influence has not translated into visible socio-economic empowerment for Western Kenya, a region often described as politically loyal but economically neglected.
Okanga’s statement highlights a broader frustration felt by many Luhya voters who believe that despite their overwhelming numbers and political participation, they have remained on the periphery of national development. The accusation of stinginess becomes a metaphor for Mudavadi’s alleged inability—or unwillingness—to share power, resources, and opportunities with his community.
Populism vs Statesmanship
Okanga’s political style is populist, relying on humor, exaggerated anecdotes, and blunt accusations to strike a chord with ordinary Kenyans. His comparison of his own meal of sukuma wiki with a dog eating lavish amounts of meat resonates with a public that often feels excluded from the benefits of leadership.
On the other hand, Mudavadi’s leadership style has been described as calm, diplomatic, and measured. While this has earned him respect among political elites, it has also fueled perceptions that he lacks the fiery energy and aggressiveness needed to champion the interests of his people.
Symbolism in Political Rhetoric
The sukuma wiki versus meat narrative is symbolic of a larger debate: Who truly benefits from political power in Kenya? Is leadership about serving the public, or is it about maintaining personal comfort and political survival? By choosing this metaphor, Okanga gives voice to ordinary frustrations about resource distribution and political elitism.
While Nuru Okanga’s statement may appear as mere theatrics to some, it carries weight in the ongoing conversation about leadership, representation, and equity in Kenya. His criticism of Mudavadi reflects a long-standing perception that political leaders from Western Kenya have failed to transform their community’s political numbers into real economic and social gains.
Whether one views Okanga as a comedian or a truth-teller, his remarks raise a critical question: what does leadership mean if those who entrust you with power continue to feel left behind?