Luhya Elders Demand Greater Voice in ODM After Party Leadership Changes
Kakamega, 9 April 2026
Representatives from all 18 Luhya sub-clans gathered in Kakamega on 9 April 2026 to address growing concerns over their community’s diminishing influence within Kenya’s main opposition party. The elders expressed alarm at the removal of key Luhya figures, including Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi as deputy party leader, whilst Nyanza region secured six top positions. This unprecedented unity among Luhya sub-clans signals potential major shifts in western Kenya’s political landscape, threatening ODM’s traditional stronghold in a region that has been one of the party’s largest voting blocs since its formation.
Community Leaders Voice Frustrations Over Party Restructuring
Speaking at Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega, Luhya Elders’ Forum secretary Peter Ludava articulated the community’s displeasure with recent ODM leadership changes [1]. The elders expressed particular concern over the concentration of power within Nyanza region, which has secured six top party positions following the restructuring [1]. Ludava specifically highlighted the removal of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from his role as deputy party leader and reported plans to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as secretary general [1]. The forum’s stance reflects broader anxieties about regional representation within Kenya’s largest opposition party [GPT].
Warnings Against Regional Dominance Within ODM
The Luhya community’s concerns centre on preventing ODM from being perceived as dominated by a single region, despite their status as one of the party’s largest voting blocs since its formation [1]. Forum vice chairman Noah Wekesa emphasised the need for ODM to maintain its national character, warning against transforming the party into what he termed ‘a Luo affair’ [1]. Wekesa described Raila Odinga as a national leader and insisted the party should reflect a broad national outlook to maintain its political relevance [1]. The elders’ position builds upon previous collaborative efforts, including a December 2025 meeting between the Luhya Elders’ Forum and the Luo Council of Elders in Kakamega, where both groups emphasised unity between their communities ahead of future elections [1].
Security Concerns Compound Political Tensions
The political dispute has taken a concerning turn with reports of violence against Luhya leaders within ODM structures. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna revealed that Kisumu residents have identified the individuals responsible for attacking Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, whilst questioning the police delay in taking action despite having the necessary information [2]. This incident has heightened tensions between different factions within the party and raised questions about the safety of political leaders from western Kenya who challenge the current party hierarchy [2]. The attack on Senator Osotsi appears to have galvanised Luhya elders’ resolve to address what they perceive as systematic marginalisation within ODM structures [1][2].
Strategic Response and Future Political Implications
The Luhya Elders’ Forum has adopted a measured but firm approach to addressing their concerns, with chairman Noah Wekesa announcing plans to convene a broader meeting including elected leaders and senior Luhya figures in government [1]. The elders have positioned themselves as advisors to their political representatives, regardless of party affiliation, whilst emphasising the importance of Luhya unity in public discourse [1]. Ludava indicated that the community would support whatever decisions Senators Osotsi and Sifuna make regarding their positions within ODM, demonstrating solidarity whilst maintaining strategic flexibility [1]. This development could significantly impact ODM’s electoral prospects in western Kenya, a region that has historically provided substantial support to the party and remains crucial for national political calculations [GPT].