Luhya Council of Elders Demands Resignation of ODM Leader Oburu Oginga Over Leadership Failures and Political Betrayal

Luhya Council of Elders accuses Oburu Oginga of poor leadership and sabotaging young leaders, signaling a major political shift for 2027.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 2:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

Demands for Leadership Change in the Orange Party

The Luhya Council of Elders has launched a scathing critique against the current leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), specifically targeting party leader Oburu Oginga. During a high profile meeting in Kakamega on Monday, the council’s national chairperson, Noah Wekesa, demanded that Oginga immediately vacate his position. The elders contend that the party has moved away from its democratic roots under Oginga’s tenure, leading to internal friction and a perceived decline in the party’s national appeal and organizational strength.

Allegations of Sabotaging Emerging Political Talent

Central to the elders' grievances is the accusation that Oburu Oginga is actively working to suppress the rising stars of the Luhya community within the party. Wekesa pointed out that while the late Raila Odinga fostered the growth of young legislators such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, the current administration is perceived as hostile toward them. The council argues that this internal friction is a deliberate attempt to dim the political prospects of young leaders who represent the interests of the common mwananchi.

Concerns Over Political Realignment and Personal Gain

The council has expressed deep suspicion regarding Oginga’s recent political maneuvers, alleging that he is steering the opposition party toward President William Ruto for personal benefit. Wekesa stated that the current leadership is sacrificing the party's ideological stance for individual strategic gains, leaving the community’s interests vulnerable. This perceived shift has led the elders to issue firm instructions to Sifuna and Osotsi, who lead the Linda Mwananchi faction, to prepare for a significant political shift that prioritizes community sovereignty over party loyalty.