Luo Council of Elders call for truce in ODM amid internal wrangles

The Luo Council of Elders is calling for an immediate truce within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, urging rival factions to embrace dialogue and end escalating political tensions.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who hosted the elders at his office on Tuesday, condemned calls for anti-government protests by a section of opposition leaders, insisting there is no justifiable reason to send Kenyans to the streets.

ODM is facing internal turmoil, with two rival factions dubbed Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi sharply divided over support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

CS Mbadi warned that the widening rift within ODM mirrors growing divisions within the Luo community, a situation the council of elders says must be urgently addressed through structured talks.

“What we are telling them is: come and tell us why you strongly feel you want to move to the other side. In Kenya, there are only two political groupings. If you don’t want to work with Ruto, is it Uhuru or Wamunyoro?” He posed.

Stephen Mbot, an elder, said: “These are efforts to keep ODM united, intact, and impactful in the political scene.”

Mbadi said tensions between the Oburu Oginga-led faction and a group of youthful leaders including embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are destructive.

“Courage is not demonstrated by jumping fences and kicking doors. Raila Odinga was courageous and when the time called for dialogue, he knew what to do,” Mbadi said,

As opposition leaders threaten fresh protests over alleged government failures on security, Mbadi has dismissed the move, arguing there is no clear cause for mass action.

“We cannot sit back and see our children going back to the streets again, especially when there is no clear reason,” Mbadi said.

The Treasury CS maintains that Luo unity remains the bedrock of ODM and is urging leaders to reflect on the political direction of the community. He announced that a series of follow-up meetings will be held to resolve the stalemate.