Fresh cracks have emerged in the Luo Council of Elders after Adera Osawa dismissed the installation of Odungi Randa as Ker (chairman).
Osawa, who was among the three candidates who sought the seat, claimed that Randa was imposed on elders by individuals who have personal interests in council affairs.
He said that elders were arm-twisted to accept Randa as the council chairman even after the majority of them rejected his candidature.
“Most of the elders through consensus settled on me as the new Ker of the council. But they shortchanged me in the night after powerful individuals realised I had won,” Osawa said.
Last Friday, elders from the four Luo Nyanza counties of Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu and Siaya met at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay town to elect their chairman.
The elders who were allied to former chairman the late Opiyo Otondi agreed to elect his successor.
The elders were to choose Randa, Osawa from Migori or James Ayaga who hails from Siaya.
Randa, who hails from Kisumu, is a former aide of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Speaking to journalists after Randa was unveiled and installed at Homa Bay High School grounds, Osawa said he does not recognise Randa as the chairman because he was imposed on elders.
“Look, they have even pushed me to number three and put Ayaga as number two. Randa had minority support among the elders,” Osawa said.
Randa was installed as the new Ker of the council during this year’s cultural festival dubbed Piny Luo, an event which was attended by ODM leader Raila Odinga as the chief guest.
According to the faction, Randa becomes the ninth Ker. The first Ker was Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who resigned after he joined politics in 1957.
Jaramogi was succeeded by Joel Omer, Paul Mboya, Adala Otuko, Koyo Opien, Riaga Ogalo and Otondi.
The Luo Council of Elders has been embroiled in leadership wrangles over what the majority of elders say is fuelled by politicians.
A faction led by Nyandiko Ogandi has claimed that some politicians from the community interfere with activities of the elders in the council.
Ongadi has also claimed to be the bona fide chairman of the council and holds documents including a certificate of registration.
Rejection of Randa as the chairman by Osawa is likely to further widen the cracks in the council.
Osawa opposed the election of Randa, saying the will of Luo elders did not prevail.
“There are several occasions where imposition of leaders has caused division in unions. I don’t recognise Randa because he was imposed on elders,” he added.
Osawa said he will no longer participate in the Luo Council of Elders affairs because elders do not have a voice in it.
“The council no longer operates independently due to political interference. An individual can’t be allowed to dictate everything everywhere in the community,” Osawa said.
After Randa was installed, he pledged to comply with the rules and regulations of the council and unite the community.
“I will not betray the community by being a sellout. My work will be uniting Luos as a community," Randa said.
Ayaga, who is his assistant, said their chairman is elected through consultation of the community spirits.
“We don’t consider regional balance but seek guidance of the spirits before Ker is elected. Randa is now the chosen one and we should follow him,” Ayaga said.
Raila told Randa to work without fear and comply with the dictates of Luo cultural practices.
He said that a splinter group like Ongadi has lost the path of Luo culture and are now pursuing personal interests.
“There are rules which guide the way the election of Ker is done. The other group is not genuine and Randa shouldn't fear them,” Raila said.
