Luo Council of Elders rejects claims of backing a political kingpin
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 9, 2025The Luo Council of Elders has firmly dismissed claims that it has endorsed a new political kingpin for the community following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Council chairman Odungi Randa clarified the matter on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, saying recent reports were inaccurate and misleading.
Randa spoke after days of speculation triggered by a visit to Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi’s home in Ugunja, Siaya County. The meeting had been portrayed in some political circles as an endorsement of Wandayi as Raila’s successor. Randa rejected the claims and insisted the council had not settled on any individual.
“And there’s no kingpin in the Luo,” he said. “We have so many people who want to be the kingpin, but we have not endorsed anyone. Very wrong. That was very wrong.”
He added that several leaders were present during the meeting, and none of them took part in any endorsement.
“I was there, Dr. Oburu was there, and many other people. Some MPs were there, even Caroli Omondi was there. We did not endorse anybody at all, at all, at all. And you hear that from any other quarter, that is a fabrication. Completely false. We did not endorse anybody.”
Randa stressed that the community should not be drawn into unnecessary political wrangles.
“Take it from me as the ‘ker’ (leader) of the Luo. At the moment, I don’t want to hear any bickering from the Luo community,” he said.
He also noted that ODM party leader Oburu Odinga remains the political head of the community after being chosen following Raila’s death.
Battle for community influence
The push and pull over Raila’s succession has created visible tension, with several politicians making moves that observers interpret as attempts to position themselves. Wandayi, who has been vocal and active in recent months, has been mentioned as one of the possible contenders.
Leaders such as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi have also been linked to the unfolding succession race.
Recent weeks have seen politicians hold meetings, appear prominently at public events, and seek visibility across the Nyanza region. The efforts are part of a wider attempt to gain influence in the post-Raila era. Some elders have also openly disagreed over the timing of any discussion on kingship, arguing that the community is still mourning.
Randa’s statement now aims to calm the growing debate. He made it clear that while many leaders may wish to inherit Raila’s political space, the council has not shown favour to anyone.