Luo elders' message to Raila Odinga on swearing-in

National Super alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga has been asked not to relent on the plans to take oath as the Peoples’ President. The Luo Council of Elders led by Chairman Willis Otondi on Friday, December 22 asked their community to be on the lookout for selfish individuals who they accused of posing as leaders.

Speaking in Ofafa Hall in Kisumu, the elders said they will continue to work with Raila as the leader who is recognized by a majority of their people.

Mr. Otondi asked the community not to abandon Raila claiming that most of the things that Kenyans enjoy are as a result of the struggles put by Mr. Odinga and his father the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

He notified those present that the elders would meet with Raila Odinga and direct him on the way forward. “As a human being, he also has his failures and we are going to candidly talk to him to ensure that everyone is brought on board,” he concluded.

The elders then went ahead to rebuke a section of leaders from the region who support Uhuru’s presidency. A section of elders, led by Mr. Nyandiko Ongadi had earlier called upon the community to support Uhuru.

“Kenyatta is the president of everybody in Kenya. I call on him to consider the Luo, like other communities, in the distribution of jobs and national resources,” Nyandiko said on December 18.

Attorney General Githu Muigai has warned that carrying on the anticipated swearing-in will be a breach of the law of treason which is punishable by death.

Raila has postponed his swearing-in twice leaving many supporters angered. He recently vowed to go on with the plans, against calls by the government to quit. He, however, dismissed calls to quit and told supporters to wait for a directive although he didn’t give a specific date on December 17.

Raila and NASA leaders have stood ground that he won the August elections and that he is the rightfully elected President of Kenya.

The elders intend to tour Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya Counties in an attempt to unite the Luo nation.