Head of Luo Council of Elders Odungi Randa announces meeting to discuss community’s direction after Raila’s death
By Luke Oluoch, December 15, 2025Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Odungi Randa has announced convening a major meeting in 2026 to discuss the future direction of the Luo community in the post-Raila Odinga era
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Speaking during the Piny Luo Cultural Festival on Monday, December 15, 2025, Randa reiterated the need for the community to remain united in the post-Raila Odinga era.
Community meeting
“I want to ask the Luo community, ODM leader Oburu Oginga, and ODM Vice Chairman Gladys Nyawang’aya that next year we will call you, and we will discuss how to chart the way forward as the Luo community,” he stated.
“We have to sit down and ensure our community preserves its traditions and identity as well,” he added.
Randa refuted claims that he is attempting to position himself for greater political influence, stating that he is content with his current role as dictated by his tenure.
“At my age, I am now advanced, and the role I have as a Luo elder is enough for me. Some people have been claiming I want to raise other leaders who will take their positions,” he said.
Randa, the ninth chairman of the revered Luo Council of Elders, has been serving in the position since 2023 after replacing the late Willis Otondi Opiyo.
The cultural event primarily brings together elders, politicians, and other high-ranking figures from the four Nyanza counties in the community.
The current edition saw members of the Luo community from across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
The subject of the Kenyan Luo Unity dominated the speeches of the fifth edition held in Rongo University on Monday.
Advise to Raila HEIRS
Among the leaders who spoke were governors from all three Luo communities of Migori, Siaya, and Homa Bay.
Speaking at the event, Ayacko urged leaders seeking to become heirs of the late Raila Odinga to work for the responsibility.
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.