Luhyas being pushed out of ODM party, claim elders

Luhya Elders Forum vice chairman Dr Noah Wekesa, Forum executive Council member Eng Julius Nyarotso and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi at Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega on Saturday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO

The Luhya Elders’ Forum has expressed concern over what it describes as the sidelining of leaders from the Western region within ODM.

The elders, drawn from all 18 Luhya sub-clans, met in Kakamega to deliberate on developments within the party following the death of party leader Raila Odinga.

They also discussed the need for unity within the Luhya community.

Addressing the press after the meeting at Sheywe Guest House, the forum’s secretary Peter Ludava said they were troubled by the removal of Luhya leaders from key positions in the party.

He noted that the community has been one of the largest voting blocs in ODM since its formation and warned against the party being perceived as dominated by one region.

Ludava said it was unfortunate that Nyanza had taken up six top party positions. He cited the removal of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as deputy party leader and reported plans to oust Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general.

“We are not happy with this. We will leave it to our two sons to sort it out and report their decision back to us. We are fully behind them as the Luhya community and will support whatever decision they take,” he said.

Forum vice chairman Noah Wekesa said the elders would convene a meeting bringing together elected leaders and senior Luhya figures in government to chart a way forward.

He urged Luhya leaders to remain united regardless of political affiliation.

“We are not happy when we see a Luhya leader attacking a fellow Luhya in public,” he said.

“Our role as elders is to advice our leaders, whether they are in opposition or government. Today has been significant because we have discussed a political party out of concern over events in ODM,” he added.

Wekesa described Raila as a national leader and said the party should reflect a broad national outlook.

“Let us not make ODM a Luo affair. ODM is a national party and, if it is to be weakened, that is up to them. But as Luhya elders, we are concerned,” he said.

He recalled that the Luhya Elders’ Forum and the Luo Council of Elders met in Kakamega on December 21 last year, where they urged ODM to uphold unity between the two communities.

At the time, the two groups emphasised the need for collaboration ahead of future elections and cautioned against actions or statements that could create divisions.

The Luo Council of Elders delegation was led by deputy Ker Steve Ahaga.

The meeting also touched on economic and political issues affecting the two communities, including concerns around the sugar industry, mining, nuclear power and resource management.