Pressure is piling on Oburu Oginga after a group of Luhya elders confronted the ODM leader in Kisumu, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During a tense meeting convened by the Luhya Elders Forum, the elders openly rejected the appointment of Catherine Omanyo to the powerful party position, insisting that Sifuna remains the legitimate office holder following a tribunal ruling that granted him temporary relief.
Addressing Oginga directly, the elders argued that ODM, a party founded on democratic principles and respect for the rule of law, must honor the decision of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. They maintained that the tribunal’s reprieve effectively restored Sifuna to office pending the hearing and determination of the dispute.
“ODM stands for the rule of law. If the Tribunal reinstated Senator Sifuna, the party must allow him to discharge his duties without interference,” the elders stated, dismissing claims that Omanyo rightfully holds the office.
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The meeting, held in Kisumu, was prompted by what the elders described as a deepening crisis within ODM that risks splitting the party along regional and factional lines.
The removal of Sifuna by the party’s National Executive Council has exposed sharp divisions, particularly over ODM’s pre-election coalition strategy.
The Ker of the Luo Council of Elders, Mzee Odungi Randa, who attended the session, confirmed that discussions centered on restoring unity and preventing further fragmentation.
He termed the talks “healthy and constructive,” noting that both Luo and Luhya leaders expressed concern about the escalating standoff.
At the heart of the dispute is ODM’s approach to coalition talks with President William Ruto and his party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Sifuna’s camp has differed with Oginga’s allies over the handling of negotiations, arguing for structured and inclusive engagement through established party organs.
The elders further criticized what they termed the centralization of coalition discussions by Oginga and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, saying such matters should be handled by designated party structures rather than in public rallies.
They also echoed sentiments by ODM vice-chairperson Otiende Amollo, who has urged the party leader to delegate negotiation responsibilities to avoid conflicts of interest.
With both sides digging in, the confrontation in Kisumu underscores mounting fears of a possible split within ODM unless a negotiated settlement is reached soon.
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