The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader Raila Odinga now wants governors from four Luo Nyanza counties to hold a joint festival in December that will strengthen and celebrate the Luo culture.
Raila stated that the Luo culture had been eroded and the current generation did not know many things about their heritage.
He was speaking at Urudi village in Nyakach, Kisumu County, during the installation of Omolo Kanyamala as Nyakach branch chairman of the Luo Council of Elders at the weekend.
He thrilled the crowd that had gathered for the event when he narrated in detail the movement of Luos from other parts of world to Kenya.
“A nation without culture is lost. That is why our children are embracing the English culture and forgetting theirs,” said Raila, adding that there was need for parents to teach children their native culture.
The former premier said all governors from Luo Nyanza should unite and organise one big festival.
He called for unity among leaders in Nyanza, telling the council of elders to put their house in order as that was an institution that unites the Luo community. Raila stressed that there has always been one Ker of the council and therefore currently the bonafide one is Willis Otondi.
Protect shrines
Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma said there was need for the Luo culture to be strengthened.
“We will hold this festival in collaboration with my counterparts in Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay, most probably after Christmas,” said Mr Ranguma, who stressed that his office has already started making plans towards the same.
Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o supported Ranguma’s sentiments, stressing that it should be after Christmas.
“We have shrines that should be protected yet many of our people do not even know these shrines,” said Prof Nyong’o, who added that he grew up in an era of story telling that should be passed on from one generation to the other.
The Luo Council of Elders Chairman Willis Otondi told off those who have been undermining his role.
“I am the bona fide Ker. I do not care about those who go and declare themselves the same on radio stations,” said Mr Otondi.
He said there was need for the community to have a forum where all leaders from Nyanza could sit and iron out their differences.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter
Otondi said he was already partnering with the Kisumu County government to organise a cultural conference that would rejuvenate various cultures that were on their deathbed.
He stated that among those who would be attending include dignitaries from South Sudan who share some traditions with the Luo.
He warned residents of Nyanza against selling their national identification and voter’s card as that would deter them from participating in elections.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join