• Former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s long-serving aide, Odungi Randa, will be coronated on Friday as the "Ker" of the Luo community.
• Azimio leader Raila Odinga is expected to preside over the inauguration of Randa.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
The stage is set for a showdown between two factions of Luo Council of Elders who have planned parallel meetings at the historic Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu.
Coming months after a contested election of the Luo Council of Elders, the two sides that do see eye to eye are Friday converging for meetings at the same facility. This has raised fears of a possible clash.
Former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s long-serving aide, Odungi Randa, will be coronated on Friday as the "Ker" of the Luo community.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga is expected to preside over the inauguration of Randa.
At the same facility, a rival faction led by Ker Nyandiko Ongadi has also obtained police clearance to hold the council’s annual general meeting.
Ofafa Memorial Hall, located at the centre of the lakeside city has been the seat of power for the revered council over the years.
The hall, built from contributions from the Luo nation across East Africa under Jaramogi’s patronage, was to remain the citadel of the community culture.
Last week, Kisumu city manager Abala Wanga announced the facility is now in the hands of the county government.
Nyandiko's team claims to be the bona fide holders of the office and had obtained a court order that stopped the election of Randa.
However, the election proceeded.
Randa took over the position after Wilis Opiyo Otondi died on February 17 this year at the age of 98.
Randa was unveiled in July this year during a cultural event in Homa Bay.
Already, preparations are ongoing ahead of the event at Ofafa Memorial Hall.
Planning committee chairman and Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili said they are ready for the coronation of the 9th Ker.
Owili while dismissing Nyandiko’s faction insisted that the community can only have one leader at a time.
He said this is the time and period when all leaders in the region should demonstrate respect for the community and remain patriotic to the Luo customs and traditions by rallying their support for Randa.
“All is set ahead of 9th Ker Luo Council of Elders coronation ceremony, this Friday at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu,” Owili said.
“I take this opportunity to invite all Luos and Kenyans of goodwill to join us during this momentous occasion that has attracted dignitaries far and beyond.”
Odungi who enjoys the support of Raila has been battling with Nyandiko over who the legitimate Ker of the Luo council is.
On Tuesday, Nyandiko was thrown out of the hall by youths allegedly allied to Odungi's camp, saying they only recognise Randa as the chairman.
However, Nyandiko maintains that he is the legitimate chairman of the council.
He had earlier said there is a case in the High Court of Siaya challenging Odungi's claim to the throne thus the coronation is illegal.