What Luhya Elders Told the ODM Leader

A quiet but high-stakes meeting on Sunday brought together a section of Luhya elders and the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The elders, drawn from various counties in the region, sought an audience with the party leader in a bid to de-escalate tensions that have recently played out in public through sharp exchanges among senior party officials.

Although the meeting was held behind closed doors, sources familiar with the discussions indicated that concerns over unity, respect for party structures and the community’s political future dominated the agenda.

In recent weeks, ODM has witnessed heightened friction between key figures, with factions trading accusations over loyalty, strategy and the party’s position within the broader political landscape.

The divisions have unsettled supporters, particularly in western Kenya, where the party enjoys significant backing.

Speaking after the meeting, some of the elders emphasized the need for dialogue and restraint.

They warned that continued infighting risks eroding the party’s credibility and diminishing the Luhya community’s bargaining power at the national level.

According to them, unity within ODM is not only critical for the party’s survival but also for safeguarding the region’s political influence.

The elders reportedly urged the leadership to convene an internal reconciliation forum bringing together all aggrieved parties.

They also called for an end to public spats, arguing that airing disagreements through the media only deepens divisions and confuses supporters.

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While the ODM leader did not publicly disclose details of the deliberations, insiders described the talks as candid and constructive.

The party boss is said to have assured the elders that mechanisms are in place to address internal disputes and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining cohesion within the movement.

Political analysts observe that the intervention by community elders underscores the seriousness of the unfolding situation.

In Kenyan politics, elders often play a symbolic and strategic role in mediating disputes and shaping consensus, particularly when communal interests are perceived to be at stake.

For many in western Kenya, ODM has long been viewed as a political vehicle through which regional aspirations are articulated.

Any sustained instability within the party, observers note, could open space for rival formations seeking to capitalize on dissatisfaction.

As the political season gradually gains momentum, attention will now shift to whether the Sunday meeting marks a turning point or merely a temporary pause in the tensions.

For the Luhya elders, however, the message appears clear unity is not optional, and the stakes are too high for prolonged internal battles.