Former Rangwe Constituency Member of Parliament George Oner has called on leaders from the Luo Nyanza region to exercise calm, unity, and decorum within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, urging them to resolve differences internally rather than through public statements that could weaken the party.
Speaking in Mombasa during a community engagement with Rangwe diaspora constituents, Oner described the current tensions in ODM as normal consequences following the loss of a long-standing pillar who held the party together for two decades.
“Every institution that goes through a traumatic event like what ODM went through must have hiccups. What we are seeing are the consequences of the trauma the party is going through,” Oner said.
He noted that the absence of the late party leader Raila Odinga has created jitters within the party, with some members seeing opportunities to take over leadership while others feel that the glue that held the party together is no longer there.
The former legislator made a direct appeal to the Luo community, which forms the bedrock of ODM, to remain steadfast and united under the party to safeguard its future.
“We will not negotiate with anybody with any power or leadership, if you don’t have this party intact and if it’s not strong. It will also not be useful if it remains for Luos only. It has to remain strong within Luo land to attract other communities to see hope in it,” he stated.
Oner urged Luo politicians and leaders to exercise restraint in their public utterances, emphasizing that divisive statements undermine party unity and weaken both the community and the nation.
“If it’s not necessary for you to speak, you don’t have to speak. When what you are speaking is causing division instead of unity, keeping quiet can sometimes be more golden than speaking,” he advised.
The former MP underscored the critical role ODM plays in the governance of Kenya, describing it as a key institution for maintaining checks and balances in the country.
“Without ODM, there are very few checks and balances we can attain in this country. The fear of injustice is the threat of ODM rising up to say no to injustice. Without ODM, there will be nobody to say no to injustice,” Oner said.
He also called on all communities that have supported ODM to remain committed to building it as a truly national party.
On his part, the Luo spokesperson Mombasa, Pius Oketch thanked Mr. Oner for consistently supporting the bursary programme since 2024 and for attending the event to witness the disbursement. He also expressed gratitude to Lumumba Owade, MCA South East Nyakach Ward Kisumu County for accompanying Mr. Oner. Mr. Oketch noted that a significant number of residents from Rangwe Constituency attended the event, where they compared notes on leadership and development.
He said the group observed notable differences during Mr. Oner’s tenure as MP and after his exit, adding that constituents in Mombasa strongly feel the need for his return to Parliament.
“We’ve actually agreed all of us that we are going to pass that aggressively, talk to our people at home so that we rally all of them for the 2027 race,” Mr. Oketch said.
By Sitati Reagan
