Luo elders warn against divisions, call for unity among leaders

THE Luo Council of Elders has appealed for calm and unity among leaders from the community amid rising political tensions and public confrontations, warning that the disputes threatened cohesion and the region’s development agenda.

Speaking at Ofafa Hall in Kisumu, council chairman Odungi Randa expressed concern over growing divisions among senior politicians and youth groups, cautioning that continued infighting could erode the community’s political influence.

Randa said the community appeared to be drifting apart following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with leaders increasingly aligning into political camps, engaging in public disagreements and online attacks instead of focusing on issues affecting residents.

“It is only a few months since we lost our ultimate and undisputed leader, yet instead of uniting, leaders are busy dismantling our unity and strength,” he said.

He stressed that the council’s concerns went beyond party politics and were centred on safeguarding the future and stability of the Luo community.

“We are tearing each other apart, weakening our unity and making our community a laughing stock because of our disjointedness. This must stop,” he said.

Randa cautioned leaders against allowing personal interests and succession politics to overshadow the collective good of the region.

“Personal ambition must never override the collective interests of the community. History has never favoured disorganised leadership,” he said.

The elder singled out several leaders from the region, including governors Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori), Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, urging them to rise above rivalry and help restore unity.

“The fate of the community was left in your hands, but now you are throwing the baby out with the bathwater,” he said.

Randa also criticised the growing use of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, to insult and discredit political opponents.

“Social media is increasingly being used to attack and paint each other in a bad light using abusive language. This trend must stop,” he said.

He urged leaders to focus on challenges facing ordinary wananchi, including poverty, unemployment, healthcare, education and lack of opportunities for young people.

“We must focus on the real challenges facing our people: poverty, lack of development, education for our children and opportunities for the youth,” he said.

The council chairman further warned young people against being manipulated by politicians pursuing selfish interests.

“Do not allow yourselves to be used by people who have already secured their future. Work hard and remain focused because the youth are the future of our community,” he said.

Randa announced that the council would soon convene a consultative meeting bringing together political leaders and stakeholders from across the region to address the growing divisions and chart a common way forward.

“I want to publicly invite the leaders mentioned for a mature and non-partisan dialogue. We shall organise a comprehensive consultative forum to bring everyone together,” he said.

He reiterated his call for discipline, restraint and unity within the community.

“Unity is power. Discipline is strength,” he said.