On Sunday last week, a faction of the Luo Council of Elders unveiled Odungi Randa as the ninth chairman of the council—traditionally known as Ker– at a political event held in the lakeside town of Homa Bay. The event was an admixture of politics and culture, but it was more political than it was cultural.
Attempts were made by the organisers and their benefactors to embellish the event with some cultural activities like boat-riding and display of cultural and historical artefacts on the sidelines. These manoeuvres were, to say the least, unsuccessful in silencing the political atmosphere that was more pronounced at the event than the cultural aspects.
The occasion was dubbed “Piny Luo Cultural Event” and it was intended to bring together Luos from the width and breadth of the country to celebrate their culture, enjoy traditional cuisine and the highlight of the two days event was the enthronement of the Ker, the traditional president of the Luos.
Considering the council’s central role as the primary source of cultural knowledge and as the custodians of the community’s culture; as well as their contribution to dispute resolution within the community, it is indisputable that the benefits a community reaps from a functioning organisation of elders is immeasurable.
Luos are a proud people and observing their customs and traditions is key to their very existence. Like any other African community, elders are held in high regard within our community. The elders guarantee longevity and continuity of our cultural norms and practices; relay such practices to the future generations and they play a vital role in the preservation and protection of the general wellbeing of the community and its overriding interests.
On the existence of our longevity and the centrality of the elders, renowned gerontologist Dr Bill Thomas opined that “Our longevity exists, has meaning, and creates value because it provides human beings with a mechanism for improving the lives of all ages. That mechanism is a pattern of reciprocal relationships that unite the generations. Far from being society’s expensive leftovers, elders and the elderhood they inhabit are crucial to the well-being of all”.
As the Homa Bay event was going, on another faction of Luo Council of Elders led by Ker Nyandiko Ongadi rejected the election and subsequent installation of the former Jaramogi Oginga Odinga aide Odungi Randa as the council’s new Ker.
The secretary-general of the council, Odera Osawa, accused politicians of interfering with the activities of the group thus causing confusion and vowed never to recognise him as Ker.
“The election was not based on consensus but on the will of one person who dictates everything the elders do,” Osawa said.
Clearly Randa seems to have won the backing of some leading politicians from the community, the same group that also supported his predecessor, Opiyo Otondi (now deceased), who was also at loggerheads with the Nyandiko-led faction.
The tug of war is thus a continuation of the mayhem within the council that has been dogged by infighting for decades over its leadership and the matter seems to have been exacerbated by the recent election held by one faction of the organisation.
The wrangles have no end in sight as every faction claims legitimacy. As a result of the power struggles, the council has suffered serious crisis of reputation, one which is nearly rendering it inept before the eyes of the Luo community.
There are claims of political interference. If it is confirmed to be true the issue will continue to hamper the organisation’s progress if not sorted out. We must all understand that the challenges facing the council and derailing its operations will not go away unless and until politicians keep away from the activities of the organisation. Meddling in the affairs of the organisation is disconcerting.
Political interference has done so much harm to the council that, as we speak, their allegiance is not to the community but to their political godfathers. They have become subservient to politicians who in real sense should be their subjects. Instead of politicians seeking counsel from the elders, the elders seek counsel from the politicians. This is deleterious to the future of the council and it is high time it ended.
In the collective interest of the Luo community, the two factions must put aside their individual interests and come together for the posterity of the community. As things stand now, loyalty is divided between the two factions with everyone choosing which side to align to. What does this portend for the future and the existence of the community as a whole? Shame and ridicule.
We must not reach that stage. The council is the pride of every Luo. Its unity is a matter of community concern to everyone. The Nyandiko-led group and Randa-led outfit have a responsibility to end the squabbles within the organisation and forge ahead as one Luo Council of Elders with one Ker whom all members of the community can seek counsel from.
This will enable the organisation to operate as it was intended to. Unity among the elders in the council is not only critical for smooth running of its activities, but also for the unity of Luos in general. It will not only make the elder’s council command respect from the community, but also enable it regain its lost glory.
MDG party leader and Ugenya MP
