By James Okoth
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili has urged the ODM leadership to embrace dialogue and preserve party unity, warning that internal divisions could dishonour the memory and legacy of Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Kisumu at AIC Church during a fundraiser, Owili made an impassioned plea for reconciliation, describing the recent days as “very difficult” and calling on ODM members to show gratitude where it is due — including to President William Ruto’s government for its support during Raila Odinga’s funeral.
“We’ve had a very difficult time in the few days. Let us give respect and thank people where it is due. Tell the President that we are very grateful for what the Government of Kenya did,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when ODM is grappling with internal discord following conflicting statements from senior officials, particularly after the party leadership publicly opposed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s visit to Bondo — remarks that drew widespread criticism across the country.
Owili’s tone struck a delicate balance between loyalty to the party and acknowledgment of the government’s cooperation during a sensitive national moment.
“What we know is that the strength of ODM and UDA will be good for the democracy of the country and good for the broad-based government,” he said, emphasising the need for political coexistence rather than confrontation.
The Deputy Governor appealed to ODM leaders to sit together and resolve their disputes, warning that ongoing infighting risked tearing apart the movement Raila Odinga built through decades of struggle.
“I am asking the leadership of the party to sit at the table and sort out our differences. Let us not kill Amolo Odinga twice by dividing the party. Let us keep the party intact as an honour to Raila Odinga,” he declared, drawing emotional applause from the congregation.
Owili’s message extended beyond party politics. It was a call for national unity and ethnic tolerance at a time when political tensions threaten to reopen old wounds.
“Despite the unfortunate utterances of Kahiga, we shall remain intact with the rest of the tribes of this country,” he said. “You cannot force us as a Luo community to hate your tribe because of the bile that you harbour in your heart,” he affirmed.
His words, seen by many as a veiled rebuke to leaders fanning ethnic hostilities, underscored his commitment to inter-ethnic harmony and political maturity in the post-Raila era.
Political analysts say Owili’s remarks reflect a growing awareness within ODM that unity and moderation are critical if the party is to survive beyond the towering legacy of Raila Odinga. With tensions rising between hardliners and moderates, his appeal for dialogue could mark the beginning of a reconciliation process within the movement.
In Kisumu, Owili’s message landed as both a prayer and a warning — a reminder that political survival will depend not on noise or defiance, but on the courage to heal and rebuild.
