Negotiated democracy: Why the Kuria must work together with their Luo neighbours in Migori

ODM leader Raila Odinga flanked by Awendo MP Walter Owino addressing Awendo town resident at Awendo bus pack on December 2, 2021. [Caleb Kingwara, Standard]

A stage is well set again for a big confrontation between the Kuria and the Luo of Migori County over next year’s presidential elections. The Kuria, who are minority, have historically distanced themselves from associating with the Luo for several reasons. One, over their cultural and ritual differences and secondly over their political behaviour during elections. In fact, the two communities have never voted as a block. The current problem is the fact that Kuria are slowly aligning themselves with Deputy President William Ruto while the Luo majority are inclined to support ODM leader Raila Odinga. In Fact, some leaders in Migori have accused Ruto of favouring the Kuria while in his tours and ignoring Luos. Migori is one county that has long been identified by the NCIC as a melting pot for ethnic tensions or a spot of devolution flash point.