Date set for unveiling of new Luo Council of Elders chairman

By Peter Ochieng

Residents of Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay and Migori are getting ready for the two day Luo socio-cultural event dubbed Piny Luo.

The event will be held in Homabay County, from 30th June to 1st July, 2023.

Addressing members of the press in Kisumu on Thursday, Kisumu County Deputy Governor Mathews Ochieng Owili said governors from the four aforementioned counties met and decided to have the event.

Owili said the mission is to bring together the Luo community in Kenya through convergence of various stakeholders within the community, in order to reignite the spirit of resourcefulness, productivity and togetherness.

"This according to the governors will be achieved during the event through prayers, a show case of cultural and tradional artefacts, performing arts, both cultural and contemporary, forklores and spoken word, food, medicine, sports and tourism among others," said the DG.

"The Luo Community is known worldwide as a people truly united, rich in traditional and cultural practices and has gone along way in enriching the country through social, economic, political and unique cultural events."

A program of activities will be released later.

The DG was flanked by Beatrice Odongo, Kisumu County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth affairs, who said the event will provide an avenue for presentation of the Luo culture.

After all is said and done, a new Luo Council of Elders chairman will be presented to the public on 1st July, 2023.

The new chairman, known as Ker in Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay and Migori Counties will take over from Willis Opiyo Otondi, who died in March, 2023.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga who doubles up as Luo Council of Elders patron is among dignitaries expected to attend.