Riaga Ogallo's death should be unifying factor, Raila Odinga tells Luo Council of Elders

Kisumu, Kenya: Opposition leader Raila Odinga has visited the home of former Luo Council Elders Chairman the late Riaga Ogallo at Kachieng village, Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County and called for the group's unity and that of the entire Luo community.

The council is split in two factions where one is headed by Willis Otondi while the other one was being led by Ogallo.

The group split after Ogallo felt dissatisfied with his removal five years ago.

"The Luo Council of Elders is a very important organ which has always give the community high dignity in this country," said Raila.

He told them to be wary of political forces that might cause division among them.

The former Premier, who was accompanied by Kasipul Kabondo MP Silvance Osele and governor Cyprian Awiti, said its only unity that would enable Luos to chart the way forward on matters which would promote development in the community.

"No amount of forces should split us because for a long time we have co-existed as brothers and sisters so whoever tends to do so should be shunned," he added.

Raila said Ogallo's death should act as the basis of the council's unity.

"Ogallo was a man of peace and it is in his honour that the community should forever remain united," Raila said. The Orange Democratic Movement leader urged the locals to avoid confusing ideological differences with division.

Osele urged residents to maintain peace during the burial on Sunday.

He said Ogallo was a charismatic leader whose burial needs to be conducted with peace and respect.

Area MP Oyugi Magwanga said he had received a text message barring him from attending the burial as well as making any contributions to its success. Burial committee chair Odoyo Owidi told area leaders to shun such messages.