Raila attends the Luo cultural festival

Homa Bay Sunday July 2 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

Political leaders drawn from the Nyanza region have converged in Homa Bay town for a two-day Luo cultural festival.

Led by ODM leader Raila Odinga, the leaders and other stakeholders called for the preservation of the loud culture and the strengthening of ties that hold the community.

Odinga who was the guest of honour at the event dubbed Piny Luo and other guests were received at Homa Bay High School where the event is taking place by host Governor Gladys Wanga. Other co-hosts are governors Ochillo Ayacko (Migori) and James Orengo (Siaya).

Speaking during her opening remarks, Wanga said they organized the event to revive the community's spirit of unity and resourcefulness. The extravaganza involves prayers, the cultural exhibition of traditional artifacts, foods and medicine, sports, and tourism among others.

“Through the event, we're reflecting where our people came from as we go back to our roots. The event brings out the true, authentic Luo,” Wanga said.

Other political leaders who graced the event include Senators Moses Kajwang, Oburu Oginga, MPs Millie Odhiambo, Opiyo Wandayi, Lilian Gogo, and Otiende Amolo.

The event is being held in the back drop of a court order barring it from taking place.

On Thursday, the High Court in Siaya blocked the Luo cultural festival after a splinter group of the Luo council of elders led by Ker Nyandiko Ongadi sued a rival group which intended to use the event to unveil a new Chairman to succeed the late Opiyo Otondi.

Justice D.O. Ogembo issued a conservatory order barring the event and the process that would have culminated to the election of the new Ker (chairman).

Ongadi claimed that he is the bona fide chairman of the council and no election should take place while he was still the leader of the council. " I'm the bona fide Chairman of the council and any election is null and void," Ongadi said.

But on Friday, Chairman of the Homa Bay county branch of the council Ogada Gor said the event is taking place because they believe courts should not be involved in cultural affairs.

"This is an event that brings the Luo community together. It is prudent we don't mix it with personal interests," Gor said.

Elder Odungi Randa claimed that some people are dividing the community. He called on the current generation to embrace cultural practices that brought people together.

" Many young people from the community are preoccupied with making money. Let's go back to our roots and avoid eroding our culture," Randa said.

Courtesy ; K. N. A