The chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Odungi Randa, has warned Luo leaders against political infighting and public hostility, saying growing divisions threaten to weaken both the community and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 as the cultural leader of the Luo community at Ofafa Hall in Kisumu, Randa said the region risks losing its political influence if leaders continue engaging in camps, personal rivalries and public attacks instead of focusing on unity and development.

“It is only a few months since our ultimate and undisputed leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, left us. He had a grip on the ODM party and its leadership while alive. He championed the rights of all Kenyans and defended dissenting voices within the party,” said Randa.

He said Raila frequently consulted elders on major political decisions and described his death as a major loss to both ODM and the Luo community.

Randa acknowledged the selection of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the new ODM party leader, noting that although elders were not involved in the process, the decision had been made by party organs.

“The elders were not in the selection team, but I am aware it was the entire ODM organ that sat and decided on Oburu Oginga. ODM remains a national party and a strong contender for power,” he said.

The elder warned that political opponents were exploiting divisions emerging within Luo leadership and cautioned leaders against allowing personal ambitions to destroy the unity built over the years.

“The enemy knows where and how to place the snares and when to pull the noose. Luo leadership is being targeted because it remains the heartbeat of the party and a major contender for political leadership in Kenya,” he said.

Randa criticised what he termed increasing political bickering among leaders from the region, saying the wrangles were reducing the community into a laughingstock before its opponents.

“This tyranny, posturing and political bickering among Luo leaders must stop. Personal ambition must never override collective interest. Those who choose division over unity must be reminded that history has never favoured divisive leadership,” he warned.

Luo community

He called on the Luo community to reject attempts to create competing political camps and unnecessary hostility among leaders.

“The community must reject all attempts to fracture our unity through competing camps, personal ambitions and unnecessary political hostility. Let us sanitise our politics,” he said.

Randa singled out several senior Luo leaders and challenged them to rise above political differences and protect the region’s future.

He mentioned leaders, including Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o; Siaya governor James Orengo; Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga; Treasury Cabinet secretary John Mbadi; Energy Cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi; and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, accusing them of failing to work together despite the political transition facing the community.

The Luo elder also criticised the use of social media platforms, especially TikTok, by leaders and their supporters to attack one another publicly.

“TikTok and other social media platforms are being used to insult and tarnish fellow leaders. Why misuse resources to destroy the name of your brother or sister while there is so much development work that needs attention?” he posed.

Community issues

He urged leaders to focus instead on poverty eradication, education, healthcare, environmental conservation and youth empowerment, saying these were the real challenges facing the region.

“The Luo community must focus on the real enemy that includes lack of development and progress. Education for our children, opportunities for our youth, and health and environmental development projects should be our priority,” he said.

Randa also appealed to young people to maintain discipline and avoid being manipulated by politicians pursuing selfish interests.

“Some acts of juvenile mischief and delinquency darken the future of our youth. Be careful not to be used by people who have already secured their future,” he warned.

He announced plans to convene an urgent consultative meeting bringing together Luo leaders and stakeholders to discuss unity and the region’s political future after Raila’s death.

“We will set an agenda for a comprehensive consultative forum to bring leaders and stakeholders together. Unity is power and discipline is strength,” Randa said.