Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko has challenged politicians seeking to succeed the late Raila Odinga as the Luo kingpin to work for the title.

Speaking during the fifth Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Migori County on Monday, December 15, 2025, Ayacko warned that Raila’s acclaimed stature did not come to him without effort.

He reminded the gathering of the significance of devoting oneself to the community and comprehending cultures and the environment beyond one’s frontier, a facet he says defined Raila’s life and times.

Culture

“As a young man, while at the university, I used to admire Jaramogi Oginga during the times of FORD and how his presence brought people together.”

“The same happened when Raila brought the nation together and knew pretty much about his people and culture.”

“If you want to be Raila Odinga in the future, go back and learn the culture of your people and be its promoter,” he stated.

Ochillo recalled how a friend of his recounted how the former ODM leader made repeated visits to neighbouring communities such as the Agikuyu, Meru, and the people from the coast.

“A person was reminding me of the number of times Raila visited northern Kenya. He used to visit Agikuyu, Merus, and all the people and regions of this county. Many wondered what he was up to with the people who never voted for him. He wanted to be in the hearts of Kenyans and understand them in their rural culture,” he stated.

Celebrating Luo culture

This year’s edition of the Piny Luo festival held in Rongo University was graced by ODM leader, Oburu Odinga.

The event was attended by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Luo Council of Elders chairpersons Odungi Randa (Kenya), Omot Agwa (Ethiopia), Gideon Ochieng’ (South Sudan), and Msangia Ongati (Tanzania), among others.

The cultural function has so far been held across the Luo Nyanza counties, with the first being held in Kisumu County.

Homa Bay County hosted the second and third festivals before James Orengo hosted the fourth edition in Siaya County in January 2024.