Elders dismiss claims of division over Libya gift

By Winsley Masese

The Luo Council of Elders came out fighting over claims they are divided over gifts the Libya President Muammar Gaddafi gave them.

Council’s Deputy Secretary General Adera Osawa defended a decision by Libyan Traditional House of Elders to give them a van as a gift when Gadaffi hosted them.

"Members of the elders council are not divided over the gift," Osawa said in a press statement on Tuesday.

He added: " Allegations that Luo Council of Elders is divided is wrong and fabricated by few individuals jealous and envious of the progress of the council’s development".

He explained that they were given the van to ensure easy access to members while discharging their duties.

Said Osawa: "This was a small gift for effective outreach services by the council and it should not generate criticism and public outcry".

He also dismissed claims the council anoints candidates to run for political offices.

"The council is neutral during campaigns but only works with MPs and civic leaders to promote development programmes," he said.

Kisumu Town West ODM Chairman Dave Okwach alleged the council interferes with the choice of elders.

Last year, Luo Council of Elders Chairman Riaga Ogalo led his colleagues from other communities, like the Njuri Ncheke in visiting Libyan leader Ghaddafi.

Were it not for Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, who was also in Libya for a Pan-African Parliament event, Kenyans would not have known about the visit.