Preparations are in top gear in Migori County as the region readies itself to host the much-anticipated 5th Edition of the Piny Luo Festival. Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko has affirmed that the county has put in place all the necessary logistical and security arrangements to ensure the festival, being held in Migori County for the first time, becomes a colourful, vibrant, and memorable cultural celebration.
The annual Piny Luo Festival, which brings together the Luo community from across the country and beyond, has grown into a signature event that preserves cultural identity, promotes unity, and showcases the depth and richness of Luo heritage. This year’s edition is expected to be the biggest yet, drawing cultural groups, artists, exhibitors, and visitors for a wide array of activities.
The festival traditionally features a blend of Luo music, dance, art, cuisine, and exhibitions that highlight both traditional and contemporary expressions of the Luo people. Local tourism stakeholders are optimistic that the event will significantly boost Migori’s economy, noting that cultural enthusiasts and domestic tourists often travel in large numbers to attend.
Migori County is endowed with several notable tourism attractions, including the Mugabo Caves, the scenic Senye-Muhuru Beach on the shores of Lake Victoria in Nyatike, and the Chinato Crying Stone in Kuria. Other key sites include Osiri Mines, the famous Migingo Island, and Thimlich Ohinga—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique dry-stone-wall structures and 14th-century settlement complex.
As preparations enter the final phase, excitement continues to build for a festival expected to honour Luo heritage while enhancing cultural pride and social cohesion.
Governor Ochilo, who on Wednesday officiated the opening ceremony of the inaugural Kuria and Minority Communities Cultural Extravaganza at Tarang’anya Boys School in Kuria West Sub-County, as well as the first-ever Luhya Cultural Extravaganza at Mukuyu village in Uriri Sub-County, said the upcoming Piny Luo Festival will bring together the diverse people of Migori.
He noted that such cultural events not only showcase traditional performances but also strengthen peaceful coexistence and uphold ancestral wisdom.
He added that the county remains committed to supporting cultural expression as a vital pillar of unity and development.
By Quinter Ayiera and Makokha Khaoya
