By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 20 December 2025 - Calls for political realignment within the Luo community have resurfaced following remarks by Dr Jim Akali, a political elite and finance expert, who has urged the community to work closely with President William Ruto’s administration rather than align itself with the opposition.
Speaking during a meeting with scholars from Kisii University and Rabuor community opinion shapers informal engagement, Dr Akali argued that the Luos should adopt a pragmatic approach to national politics by “investing” in the Ruto presidency.
He maintained that sustained opposition politics had yielded limited economic and political returns for the community, urging leaders and citizens alike to prioritize inclusion in government-led development initiatives.
According to Akali, joining or remaining in the opposition risks political isolation and economic marginalisation.
He cautioned against what he described as “hopeless political grumbling,” suggesting that perpetual resistance without access to state power weakens the community’s bargaining position.
Instead, he advocated for engagement through a coalition arrangement with the ruling class, which he said would provide avenues for influence, development funding, and policy input.
His remarks reflect a broader debate within Luo political circles over whether loyalty to opposition politics remains beneficial in the current political environment.
Supporters of Akali’s position argue that Kenyan politics is largely driven by access to power and resources, and that communities outside government often struggle to secure meaningful development.
From this perspective, cooperation with the sitting administration is seen as a strategic move rather than ideological surrender.
More from Kenya
However, critics of this approach caution that abandoning the opposition could dilute the community’s long-held stance on governance, accountability, and reform.
They argue that opposition politics play a critical role in checking executive power and that coalition-building should be based on clear policy agreements rather than political expediency.
Dr. Akali’s intervention underscores the ongoing tension between principle and pragmatism in Kenyan politics.
As the Ruto administration continues to consolidate power, the Luo community—like many others—faces a strategic choice: whether to maintain a traditional opposition role or seek relevance through negotiated engagement with the government.
The direction chosen is likely to shape the community’s political influence and development prospects in the years ahead.
Dr Akali’s remarks came against the backdrop of similarly pragmatic assertions by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, who argued that the Luo community currently lacks the financial capital required to mount a successful presidential challenge against President Ruto.
Wandayi claimed that modern Kenyan presidential campaigns are increasingly capital-intensive, making it unrealistic for any candidate from Luo Nyanza to compete effectively at this time. He suggested that the community’s most viable option is to back Ruto’s leadership in the present political cycle, consolidate influence within government, and only field a presidential candidate after Ruto exits office.
Taken together, the statements by Akali and Wandayi signal a growing elite-driven narrative that emphasises strategic patience, economic realities, and engagement with state power over immediate electoral contestation.
Luo Nation Urged to Engage Government as Debate Over Political Strategy Intensifies
Professionals Urge Nyanza Residents to Support Ruto Re-election
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
