Raila warns ODM leaders against ethnic politics
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged leaders against introducing tribal sentiments in the party wrangles.
Speaking on Friday, July 25, 2025, during the ODM delegates conference in Kakamega County, Raila indicated that ethnic politics was dangerous, noting that the party enjoys massive support from various regions of the country.
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“ODM does not belong to one tribe. If one leader from the Luo people talks ill, don’t blame it on the whole tribe. The ODM party has a presence in Turkana, Mandera, Lamu, Kwale, Kuria, Kisii, Masaailand, Central Kenya, and even among the Kalenjins. For that matter, it is a national party,” Raila said.
Tribal politics
“We do not want politics of tribalism; if politicians have their own issues, they should handle them individually without involving their tribes.”
The remarks came after Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala said that Luo leaders calling for the resignation of Sifuna would occasion a massive walkout from the party.
Speaking during the ODM delegates conference in Kakamega on Friday, July 25, 2025, Wanjala indicated that the Luo-Nyanza leaders should know that ODM is no longer a tribal party, but one that enjoys a national membership and following.
National party
“This ODM party is very big, and it enjoys the membership of all Kenyans. When we were with you at the burial of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, you told our in-laws- the Luos, that Edwin Sifuna is the spokesman of the party and that when he speaks, that is the position of the party,” Wanjala said.
He urged Raila to speak to the leaders in a language they understand, stating that such remarks on resignation could occasion a widespread walkout from the party, leaving it without support.
“I want you to go back to Nyanza and speak to them in vernacular that the ODM party is not a party for Luos. It is a party for all Kenyans. When one stands to speak and tells others to exit the party because of their tribe, what will become of ODM when we all leave?” Wanjala posed.
