BY GEOFREY KASERA: The Ker of the Luo community, Ker Odungi Randa, has called on all leaders from the Luo region to stand together and avoid unnecessary political sideshows.
Randa, the supreme cultural leader of the community, appealed to leaders with divergent political opinions to unite around the foundation laid by the late patron, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.
“I am not happy to hear our sons who are serving in different elective positions openly castigate each other in the mainstream media,” said Randa.
“The strength of this community has always been in its unity. We have been united for centuries, and that tells you the kind of people we are. So let us avoid all these divisions and work together.”
Preparations for Duogo e Liel
Randa also called on political leaders and the broader community to gear up for the upcoming first-anniversary memorial of Odinga, a traditional observance known in Luo culture as ‘duogo e liel’, which will be held in October.
“We have already begun preparations as the construction of the mausoleum gets underway,” he noted adding that, “According to our culture, we must hold duogo e liel. We invite leaders from all other regions across the country to join us for this important event.”
Piny Luo Festival Returns to Kisumu in December
Echoing the call for solidarity, Dr Omamo Ojweke, the newly appointed Secretary of the Luo Council of Elders, urged community members to prepare for the fifth edition of the Piny Luo Festival, scheduled to take place in Kisumu this December.
“This marks the beginning of a second cycle,” explained Dr Ojweke.
“You will recall that the inaugural Piny Luo was held in Kisumu, followed by Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori in that order. Now, we are starting a new cycle, and Kisumu will host it once again.”
Dr Ojweke highlighted the cultural significance of the gathering, noting, that, “The Piny Luo Festival brings together all members of the Luo community from across the region, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
