ODM leader Oburu Odinga/FILEA section of Luhya elders on Sunday met the ODM party leader to address the escalating wrangles within the party, amid fears that the internal divisions could negatively affect the community.
The meeting, convened by the Luhya Elders Forum, comes at a time when ODM is grappling with sharp divisions over its cooperation framework with President William Ruto’s administration and the controversial removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the elders expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to oust Sifuna over his opposition to ODM’s cooperation with Ruto.
They reportedly argued that Sifuna’s position was consistent with the political thinking of 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 privy to the deliberations said.
The elders are said to have indicated that after reviewing various public statements and publications, they believe Sifuna’s stance aligns with the ideals previously articulated by the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
They further maintained that the resolutions made during the Kilifi meeting did not bind ODM to a coalition arrangement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but rather opened room for broader discussions with different political formations.
According to the sources, the elders also raised concerns over the handling of coalition talks, arguing that ODM has established internal structures mandated to manage such engagements.
They reportedly questioned why Oburu and party chairperson Governor Gladys Wanga were spearheading discussions, saying coalition matters should not be debated in public rallies.
The elders are also said to have referenced a publication attributed to Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, which they believe clearly sets out the party’s position on coalition engagements.
They reportedly presented a copy of the publication during the meeting.
Their intervention comes as Sifuna seeks legal redress at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, where he obtained a temporary reprieve pending the hearing and determination of the case challenging his removal.
Sources said the elders took issue with remarks attributed to the party leader, suggesting that while Sifuna may be Secretary General “of the court,” Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo is the Secretary General of the party.
“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,” another source quoted the elders as saying.
The elders are understood to have urged the party to activate proper internal mechanisms to handle coalition negotiations and, as a show of goodwill, resolve the matter before the Tribunal.
They cautioned against individuals, including the party leader, directly steering the discussions without recourse to established party organs.
On public participation, the elders reportedly argued that rallies are not suitable forums for meaningful engagement.
They are said to have maintained that town hall meetings would provide a more structured and inclusive platform, allowing members to interrogate issues in detail before any decision on coalition arrangements is made.
The meeting also touched on the NADCO report and the 10-Point Agenda, which formed the basis of cooperation talks between ODM and UDA.
According to sources, the elders warned that continued support for a government perceived as unwilling to honour its agreements with ODM would amount to a betrayal of Raila’s legacy.
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