The Luo Council of Elders has called on leaders from the Luo community to embrace unity and end growing political hostility, warning that emerging divisions risk weakening the region’s political strength and development agenda.
Addressing the media at Ofafa Hall in Kisumu, Luo Council of Elders Chairman (Ker) Odungi Randa expressed concern over increasing political infighting among senior leaders and youth factions.
Randa said the community was gradually losing focus following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as leaders engaged in public confrontations, political camps and online attacks instead of addressing challenges facing the community.
“It is only a few months since we lost our ultimate and undisputed leader, yet instead of uniting, leaders are busy dismantling our unity and strength,” he said.
He stressed that the council’s concern was not about party politics but the broader unity and future of the Luo community.
“We are tearing each other, dismantling our unity and strength and making our community a laughingstock because of our disjointedness. This must stop,” he said.
Randa warned against allowing personal ambitions and succession battles to overshadow collective interests of the community.
“It must clearly be stated that personal ambition must never override collective interest. Those who choose division over unity must be reminded that history has never favored disorganized leadership,” he said.
The elder singled out several senior leaders from the region, among them Kisumu governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori governor Ochilo Ayacko, Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo and ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, urging them to rise above political rivalry and help restore cohesion in the region.
“The fate of the community was left in your hands, but now you are throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” he said.
Randa also accused some leaders and youth of using social media platforms, especially TikTok, to insult and undermine one another.
“The media, especially TikTok these days, is being used by leaders to attack and paint each other in bad light using obscene language. This must stop,” he said.
He urged leaders to redirect attention to issues affecting ordinary wananchi, including poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare, environmental degradation and lack of economic opportunities for young people.
“We must train our eyes on the real enemy — lack of development and progress for our society, eradication of poverty and distress in our region, education for our children and opportunities for our youth,” he said.
The council chairman further cautioned the youth against being manipulated by politicians pursuing selfish interests.
“Be careful not to be used by people who have already secured their future. Work hard and stay focused because without the youth, we have no future as a people,” he said.
Randa announced that the Luo Council of Elders would soon convene a meeting bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the region to address the growing concerns and chart a united path forward.
“I want to publicly invite the leadership I have mentioned for a mature and nonpartisan meeting. We shall organize a comprehensive consultative forum to bring leaders and stakeholders together,” he said.
He concluded by urging the community to uphold discipline, restraint and unity.
“Unity is power. Discipline is strength,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
