The partnership between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga should not result in the dismissal of Luo Nyanza leaders currently serving in government roles, according to some members of the Luo council of elders.
They emphasized the importance of allowing leaders from the Luo community who have been appointed to various positions within the Kenya Kwanza government to continue their duties without disruption.
The elders led by their chairman Nyandiko Ongadi and Vice Secretary Okinyi Rawo voiced apprehension that the collaboration might lead to the sidelining of Luo Nyanza leaders who are actively engaged with the government, should a political agreement be reached between Raila and Ruto.
“There are already signs of handshake between Raila and President Ruto over the AUC leadership. We however want the cooperation not to make our sons and daughters already in government lose their jobs,” Rawo said.
“We appeal to President Ruto and Raila is that their cooperation shouldn’t make others lose the gains the community has made. Let those who are already holding government positions continue to serve Kenyans,” he added.
They spoke on Friday after their meeting at Pier Got in Karachuonyo constituency,
They emphasized that collaboration between Ruto and Raila should be done in a manner unite the community instead of edging others out.
Vice Secretary, Rawo emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relations with President Ruto to prevent any deterioration.
He urged Raila not to engage in conflict with the sons and daughters of community leaders already serving in the Kenya Kwanza government.
Raila has been criticizing these leaders for their collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government.
The council of elders also resolved to work with President Ruto’s government to enable them to acquire development projects.
“We are supporting President Ruto’s government because he has shown a good gesture to work with us as a community. Ruto appointed a number of our sons and daughters including Eliud Owalo, Raymond Omollo and a number of them who are the government and the people of Kenya,” they said.
They also urged the Luo community to stand behind President William Ruto.
The council of elders called upon the ODM Party leader to focus on the AUC bid without focusing on local politics.
“Raila should now focus on the bigger picture which is AUC chairmanship. Let him not meddle in local politics,” they said.
Last month, Raila made a surprise announcement of his bid for the position of African Union Commission Chairperson.
Since the announcement, the opposition chief has garnered endorsements from various sectors, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of one of Kenya's most esteemed politicians vying for a leadership role on the African stage.
The government said it fully backs Raila’s bid for the position.
