The Luo Council of Elders has called for an immediate truce within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging rival factions to embrace dialogue and de-escalate growing political tensions.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who hosted the elders at his office on Tuesday, warned that the widening rift within ODM mirrors deepening divisions within the Luo community — a trend he said must be urgently addressed through structured talks.
Factions Clash Over Ruto’s Re-Election
ODM is currently grappling with internal turmoil, with two rival camps — Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi — sharply divided over whether to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
Mbadi condemned calls for anti-government protests by a section of opposition leaders, insisting there is no justifiable reason to push Kenyans back to the streets.
“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.
His remarks appeared to reference former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has recently been linked to emerging opposition realignments.
Elders Push for Unity
Stephen Mbot, speaking on behalf of the elders, said their intervention is aimed at preserving ODM’s cohesion and political influence.
“These are efforts to keep ODM united, intact, and impactful in the political scene,” Mbot said.
Mbadi described 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, as 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, in reference to ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
Protest Threats Dismissed
As opposition leaders threaten fresh protests over alleged government failures on security, Mbadi 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,” he said.
The Treasury CS maintained that Luo unity remains the bedrock of ODM and warned that internal fragmentation could weaken both the party and the community’s broader political influence.
