A section of the Luo Council of Elders on Tuesday called for the dissolution of the outfit.
The elders want the two rival groups led by Willis Opiyo Otondi and Nyandiko Ongadi dissolved in order to enable the community to have a well-structured council leadership.
Following the statement by Nyandiko on Saturday that acknowledged President Kenyatta as the duly elected President and calling on him to consider all communities in his government appointments, the rift between the two groups has widened.
[caption caption="President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto and their wives."]
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“Kenyatta is the President of everybody in Kenya. I call on him to consider the Luo, like other communities, in jobs and national resources distribution,” Mr Ongadi was quoted by the Star.
Led by the Homa Bay County branch chair Odak Mbaka, the elders accused the rival camps of tarnishing the image of the community for selfish gain.
"It’s high time the two rival groups were dissolved to spare our respected community an image in the society. Or else political vested interests will tear it apart and cause disintegration to the community," Mbaka mentioned on Tuesday.
Mbaka, who is said to be enjoying a close relationship with NASA leader Raila Odinga, argued that the sustained rivalry between Otondi and Ongadi will distract the community's attention from pertinent issues.
"As elders from Luo community we must strive to speak with one voice instead of being puppets of politicians whose missions and visions may be parochial and short term," he added.
He also asserted that elders who want peace and unity for the Luo community must join in their quest to have a new and strong council leadership capable of carrying the community's vision to the next level.
Mr Mbaka condemned his chair, Mr Ogadi, and his team of perpetrating squabbles in the leadership of the council for monetary gains from politicians.
"I’m neither ready to engage nor compete with elders who are out to use the name of the community for selfish gains," said Otondi.
[caption caption="A sction of Luo elders."]
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The two leaders, Ongadi and Otondi's rivalry on the chairmanship and ideological shifts has caused the elders to advocate for the council dissolution.
“I’m the one mandated to speak on behalf of elders of the community since we have the certificate and key to our headquarter office. Other elders are masqueraders,” Ongadi affirmed on Tuesday.
Ongadi threatened to take Otondi's group to court if they continue fighting and failing to recognise him over the seat.
