President Dr William Ruto has announced that the Government will construct a Sh50 million cultural centre at Thimlich Ohinga in Migori County, a site recognised globally as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
The President made the announcement while presiding over the closure of the 5th edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival held at Rongo University. He said the proposed cultural centre will play a critical role in preserving, promoting, and transmitting the culture and traditions of the Luo community to future generations, while also boosting cultural tourism in the region.
Thimlich Ohinga, located in Nyatike Sub-County, is a 16th-century dry-stone walled settlement complex constructed using undressed stones and rocks fitted together without mortar. The historic site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, in recognition of its outstanding universal value and unique architectural heritage.
Situated about 46 kilometres from Migori town, Thimlich Ohinga was gazetted as a Kenyan National Monument in 1981 by the National Museums of Kenya. The site is regarded as one of the most significant cultural and archaeological landmarks in the Lake Victoria region.
President Ruto, who was also crowned a Luo elder alongside Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga at the Thimlich Ohinga site, said the establishment of a modern cultural centre will ensure the protection of Luo history, enhance research and learning, and promote the area as a major tourism destination.
“The cultural centre at Thimlich Ohinga will preserve Luo heritage, promote tourism, and ensure that our rich history is passed on to future generations,” President Ruto said. He added that Kenya takes pride in the Luo culture, particularly its strong message of unity and its diverse cultural expressions.
The Head of State reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting cultural festivals across the country as a way of showcasing, protecting, and promoting Kenya’s rich cultural diversity, indigenous languages, and traditions for socio-economic development.
Earlier, President Ruto had joined thousands of cultural enthusiasts at Senye Beach in Nyatike Sub-County to celebrate the culmination of the Piny Luo Festival. The event featured traditional wrestling (amen), pot balancing (diedo pii), tug of war, boat racing, swimming competitions, football matches, and captivating narratives that highlight Luo customs and values.
The President said preserving Kenya’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is the foundation of national unity. He noted that cultural diversity should be embraced as a source of strength that binds communities together and fosters peaceful coexistence.
“Our unity as a nation must guide us in transforming our politics into an agenda-based discourse, free from tribalism, hatred, and division, and anchored on strong national political parties,” President Ruto said.
On development matters, the President said his administration is committed to correcting historical development injustices not only in the Nyanza region but across the entire country. He disclosed that Sh23 billion has been invested in affordable housing projects in Migori County, alongside Sh1.7 billion allocated to the construction and upgrading of various road projects.
President Ruto further announced that Rongo University will benefit from the Affordable Housing Programme through the construction of a modern hostel that will accommodate up to 2,300 students, easing accommodation challenges and improving the learning environment.
Speaking at the event, ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga said the party will continue supporting the government through the Broad-Based arrangement to ensure the successful implementation of its development agenda. He emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving national progress.
Dr Oginga also urged young people to apply for and acquire National Identification Cards, noting that this is essential for them to fully exercise their democratic rights, including participation in elections and choosing leaders of their choice.
Migori Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko described the Piny Luo Festival as a significant milestone for the county, noting that it was the first time the annual cultural event had been hosted in Migori. He said the festival showcased the Luo community’s rich cultural heritage and played a central role in preserving traditional identity and promoting unity.
Governor Ayacko explained that the festivities reflected the depth and vibrancy of Luo culture, featuring traditional activities such as wrestling, swimming, boat racing, football, tug of war, and pot balancing. He added that the events not only entertained participants and spectators but also celebrated the enduring heritage and birthright of the Luo people.
The event attracted various political leaders, cultural custodians, and participants mainly from the Nyanza region, as well as Luo communities from Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. The Piny Luo Festival is an annual major cultural event that celebrates the unity, heritage, and traditions of the Luo people across the region.
By Makokha Khaoya
