Raila Odinga defies court order, attends Luo Festival

By Peter Ochieng

The first edition of the Luo Cultural event dubbed Piny Luo is ongoing in Homabay County, despite a court order temporarily stopping the event.

On Thursday, Siaya High court temporarily stopped the event pending hearing and determination of a case filed by various stakeholders.

The order was issued by Justice Daniel Odumbe.

"Interim conservatory order is hereby issued prohibiting the respondents, their agents and servants from issuing any instructions, plans, actions or activities arising based on their decision to hold a meeting described as Piny Luo 2023 or any other time in Homa Bay county or anywhere else," ruled the judge.

The petition is set to be heard on 4th July, 2023.

It was filed by nine people, among them The petition was filed by nine people Nyandiko Ongadi, Thomas Achando, Silas Olala, Okeyo Abebe and Oduogo Gwena.

However, in spite of the court order, the festival started on Friday as planned, with Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his wife, Ida Odinga being among those in attendance.

The two day cultural event is expected to culminate in the naming of new Luo Council of Elders chairman on Saturday, a plan the petitioners are against.

If a new chair is named, he will take over from the late Willis Opiyo Otondi. He died in March. 2023.

The petitioners sued among others, Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisumu's Anyang' Nyong'o, Siaya's James Orengo and Migori's Ochillo Ayacko.

All of them are in attendance, apart from Nyong'o who is being represented by his deputy, Mathews Ochieng Owili.

Raila Odinga is the Luo Council of Elders patron.