Luo Nyanza Grapples With Political Intolerance as Leaders Push for Unity in Post-Raila Era

Kenya, 29 November 2025 - A fresh political debate is taking shape in Luo Nyanza following calls by Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo for an end to political intolerance in the region.

His remarks, triggered by violence witnessed in Kasipul during the recent by-election, highlight long-standing tensions around political identity, loyalty, and the future of Luo leadership in a post–Raila Odinga landscape.

Addressing a fundraiser at Siaya National Polytechnic, Mr Odhiambo warned that the region’s political culture is increasingly drifting into hostility and alarmist rhetoric.

Although he praised Kasipul voters for electing the ODM candidate, his broader message carried a sharper undertone: that unquestioned political conformity is becoming counterproductive, and that intimidation threatens the democratic rights of voters to choose leaders freely.

Odhiambo’s critique extended to a clergy who claimed that Luo leaders "think President William Ruto is everything in matters politics".

The MP’s rebuttal reflects widening fissures in Luo Nyanza politics—where some leaders are seeking space to redefine political engagement, while sections of the clergy and political elite remain wary of shifting alliances.

Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ reinforced Odhiambo’s concerns, but also framed the conversation within a deeper political transition underway in the region.

With Raila Odinga demise, Ochieng’ argued that Luo Nyanza must rethink its political future and begin planning for succession just as other communities are doing.

Ochieng’s call for unity is both pragmatic and strategic.

He emphasised the need for Luo leaders to maintain working relations with President Ruto—not necessarily as a shift in long-term allegiance, but as a way to secure political and developmental footing ahead of the next succession cycle.