NAIROBI, Kenya — A section of Luhya elders met with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader on Sunday, expressing concern over the growing internal divisions within the party and warning that unresolved disputes could negatively affect the Luhya community’s political influence.
The meeting, convened by the Luhya Elders Forum, comes as ODM grapples with tensions over its cooperation framework with President William Ruto’s administration and the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General.
Sources close to the discussions said the elders criticised Sifuna’s ouster, noting that his opposition to ODM’s coalition with Ruto was consistent with the principles previously championed by the late Raila Odinga.
“This meeting was arranged by the Luhya Elders Forum in order to find a solution to what they have seen as an escalating problem in ODM, which the elders fear is likely to affect our people and the future of the party,” a source familiar with the deliberations said.
The elders reportedly highlighted that Sifuna’s stance aligns with the ideals articulated by Raila Odinga and questioned the party’s handling of coalition negotiations.
They argued that internal structures exist within ODM to manage such engagements, and public debates at rallies are not appropriate forums for these discussions.
Sources indicated that the elders questioned why Oburu Odinga and party chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga were leading coalition talks, suggesting that decisions on alliances should follow established party organs and internal mechanisms.
They also referenced a publication by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, which they said clearly outlines ODM’s position on coalition arrangements.
The intervention comes as Sifuna seeks legal redress at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, where he obtained a temporary reprieve pending a hearing challenging his removal. The elders reportedly insisted that if the tribunal reinstates Sifuna, the party must respect the ruling and allow him to resume his duties.
“This is far from the truth. ODM stands for the rule of law; if the Tribunal reinstated Senator Sifuna in his position, ODM should comply and allow Senator Sifuna to perform his duties,” the elders were quoted.
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The forum also recommended the use of structured town hall meetings rather than public rallies for discussions on coalition matters. Such platforms, they said, would allow party members to scrutinise issues thoroughly before any decisions on alliances are finalised.
The elders touched on the NADCO report and the 10-Point Agenda, which underpin discussions on ODM-UDA cooperation.
They warned that continued support for a government perceived as unwilling to honour agreements with ODM would be a betrayal of Raila Odinga’s legacy.
With internal friction intensifying, the elders’ intervention underscores the importance of adhering to party structures, respecting legal rulings, and engaging communities in meaningful dialogue to preserve ODM’s unity and the political influence of the Luhya community.
