The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A group of Luhya elders on Sunday held talks with the ODM party leader in a bid to address deepening divisions within the party, amid concerns that the wrangles could harm both the community and the party’s future.
The meeting, organised by the Luhya Elders Forum, comes as ODM faces internal tensions over its cooperation arrangement with President William Ruto’s administration and the contentious removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General.
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Sources close to the discussions indicated that the elders voiced displeasure with Sifuna’s ouster, particularly because of his opposition to ODM’s collaboration with Ruto’s government. They reportedly maintained that Sifuna’s stance mirrors the political philosophy associated with the late Raila Odinga.
According to insiders, the elders convened the meeting to seek a lasting solution to what they view as a growing crisis within ODM—one they fear could negatively impact their community and destabilize the party.
After reviewing public statements and commentary, the elders are said to have concluded that Sifuna’s position aligns with principles previously articulated by Raila. They also argued that resolutions reached during the Kilifi meeting did not commit ODM to a coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but instead created space for broader consultations with various political players.
The elders reportedly questioned the manner in which coalition talks have been handled, noting that ODM has established internal organs mandated to oversee such processes. They expressed concern over party leader Oburu and chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga leading the discussions, insisting that coalition negotiations should not be conducted through public rallies.
They are also said to have cited a publication attributed to Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, which they believe clearly outlines the party’s official position on coalition engagements, and presented a copy during the meeting.
Their intervention coincides with Sifuna’s move to challenge his removal at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, where he secured temporary orders pending the hearing of his case.
Sources added that the elders objected to remarks suggesting Sifuna was merely Secretary General “of the court,” while Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo was the legitimate office holder. They emphasized that ODM, as a party that upholds the rule of law, should respect the Tribunal’s decision and allow Sifuna to resume his duties.
The elders are understood to have urged the party to rely on its internal mechanisms to manage coalition negotiations and resolve the dispute amicably before the Tribunal delivers its final ruling. They cautioned against individuals, including the party leader, taking charge of the talks without involving the party’s formal structures.
On public engagement, the elders reportedly argued that rallies are not appropriate forums for substantive consultations. Instead, they proposed town hall meetings as a more structured and inclusive approach that would allow members to thoroughly deliberate on coalition matters.
The discussions also touched on the NADCO report and the 10-Point Agenda, which underpin cooperation talks between ODM and UDA. Sources said the elders warned that continued alignment with a government perceived to be reneging on its commitments to ODM would undermine Raila’s legacy.
