Kisumu County takes Luo Council of Elders building over Sh. 86 million debt

Kisumu

Friday, 15th December 2023

KNA by Chris Mahandara

The County Government of Kisumu has taken over the management of the Luo Council of Elders Ofafa Memorial Hall building to recover a Sh. 86 million debt.

Tenants of the historic building which sits on one hectare of land have been directed to vacate.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said all tenants including those operating kiosks on the entrance to the building shall not be allowed to operate as the county government moves to recover the debt accrued from unpaid land rates.

Besides hosting the headquarters of the revered Luo Council of Elders which has over the years been embroiled in leadership wrangles, the building hosts a bar and restaurant, private offices, business stalls, and a church.

Other businesses within the compound include a car wash, hotel, and hall for hire.

Wanga said the building which originally belonged to the Luo Union changed ownership to the Luo Council of Elders but was now in the hands of an individual who has failed to pay land rates.

The individual, he said has further failed to maintain the building and was busy erecting illegal structures within the compound to collect rent.

"This area is earmarked for urban renewal. This person has neglected the building, the toilets are clogged, the ceiling is falling and we have illegal businesses here including the sale of illicit brews," he said.

"We have now taken over this property. The city is going to refurbish this building, put a perimeter wall fence and cabros, and make use of it," he said.

The refurbishment which kicks off immediately, he said targets to regain the facility's lost glory.

"We are going to clean up this place so that when we have a cultural event our elders can meet here. We are going to host AfCon we expect some of the elders coming to Kisumu to meet here in a clean and modern facility," he said.

After the renovations, the county government, he said shall explore avenues of recovering the debt before opening negotiations with the Luo Council of Elders to revert the building to them.

A faction of the Luo Council of Elders led by Nyandiko Ongadi moved to court to stop evictions on the premises.

Nyandiko who insists is the legitimate Luo Council of Elders (Ker) has dismissed the claims by the city management.

Meanwhile, Ker Odungi Randa who took over the office following the death of Ker Willis Otondi said the council will engage the county government to find a lasting solution to the issue.

Courtesy; KNA