New Luo Ker Randa in mourning as son dies

By Peter Ochieng

The family of the newly installed Luo Council of Elders chairman (Ker) Mzee Odungi Randa is in mourning, following the death of his son.

Stephen Milton Obote Randa died on Monday in Nyando, with initial reports indicating that he committed suicide.

His younger brother, Victor Randa confirmed the death adding that Obote was suffering from a mental illness.

Randa was on Friday coronated as the 9th Luo Ker at the Ofafa Memorial Hall grounds in Kisumu, and was still in a celebratory mood before he lost his son.

In his condolence message, Kisumu County governor Peter Anyang' expressed his sorrow.

"I have received with deep sorrow, reports about the death of Obote Randa - a son to Luo Ker- Mzee Odungi Randa," the second term county boss said in a statement seen by Nairobi Review.

"I am greatly saddened by this incident that has befallen Mzee Randa on a day we are celebrating Christmas. It is heartbreaking that the late Obote has died at a prime age when we still need his services."

Nyong'o urged police to carry out through investigations to ascertain the cause of his death, despite it being linked to suicide.

"Although initial reports link this death to suicide, I wish to urge the police to urgently investigate this tragedy to confirm if it was indeed suicide," he stated.

"On behalf of the people of Kisumu County and my family, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Mzee Odungi, his family and the people of greater Nyando sub-county for this big loss," added the governor.

The body was moved to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary, waiting postmortem.

Odungi Randa's coronation was attended by the who-is-who in Luo leadership, among them Azimio leader Raila Odinga, and governors Nyong'o, Gladys Wanga (Homabay), James Orengo (Siaya) and Ochillo Ayacko (Migori).

He replaced Willis Opiyo Otondi who died early this year.