Why Luhya leaders need ODM more than it needs them

The decision by a section of Luhya leaders to say that they can no longer be bullied by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is laudable. Furthermore their assertion that Luhya nation is united has some element of truth. However there are a number of issues of great concern.

First, why have they been comfortable in ODM all this while?  Did they just realize that now they are in a big mess? Could it be that there are dark forces which are compelling them to take such a move? All the same none of the leaders have even talked to their constituents over the matter.

Second, it is crystal clear that since time immemorial Luhya politicians have been playing second field politics, whether in Opposition or in Government. Even in major ODM functions they have left the party in the hands of Raila Odinga and law makers from his Luo community. It’s only Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula who made the daring move and joined CORD (Coalition for Reforms and Democracy) in demonstrations seeking to remove Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners from office at anniversary towers. So I wonder why they want to be considered instrumental in ODM.

Third, these politicians have found Luhya people in ODM. As such any move by them to ditch the party will in the long run haunt them. Even Budalang’i law maker and ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba became popular courtesy of ODM. History may be repeated. Voters may decide to be loyal to ODM and teach these leaders political lessons when it comes to next year's general elections. The same way they are complaining of being mistreated in ODM, they should be reminded that Luhya voters will not blindly follow personal decisions made by politicians.

Fourth, these politicians risk dying politically. It is not long ago, when Musalia Mudavadi earlier thought that he had made a brilliant decision to ditch ODM and CORD alliance in favor of TNA. Little did he know that he had dug a political grave for himself. He could not even command his Sabatia constituents after suffering great loss to ODM. Since then he has been trying a comeback in politics which in any case he may have to join CORD to restore his relevance in Luhya politics. In fact these leaders need ODM more than it needs them. This is a clear indication that Luhya leaders need to tame this habit of seeking greener pastures in politics.

Fifth, any leader in the region who gains popularity is obsessed with leadership. Musalia Mudavadi after making a comeback in politics tried vying for presidency. However, the comical politician and former Bumula legislature Bifwoli Wakoli and Eugene Wamalwa (Current Water and Irrigation cabinet secretary) decided to drop him in favor of Uhuru Kenyatta . Recently, Senate Minority leader and CORD co-principal Moses Wetang'ula launched his presidential bid at Muliro gardens although it went in limbo after goons hurled tear gas canisters on the podium. Now, the outspoken Ababu Namwamba is also said to be on the same course. These political theatrics by Luhya leaders will amount to nothing.

It is not lost on me that the region registers low voter turnout. Why can't leaders instead of bracing for supremacy on media platforms, advice voters on the importance of voting? There is no need to vie for presidency when you don't have enough votes from your backyard.

Furthermore, there is no leader in the region who can command the entire Luhya nation. Just after Senator Wetangula had launched his presidential bid, he was told off by Ababu Namwamba.  

Luhya unity is a theory that may lack justification. You're either united in CORD, Jubilee and ANC or you're divided in both.