Luo elders condemn political violence, warn against goonism in Kisumu
By Viola Kosome and Kepher Otieno, July 16, 2026The Luo Council of Elders has issued a stern warning to political leaders accused of fuelling violence, saying the recent wave of goon attacks in Kisumu dishonours Luo culture and threatens the region’s long-held tradition of peace and unity.
Addressing journalists at the historic Ofafa Memorial Hall, today on July, 15, 2026, Deputy Luo Ker James Ayaga said shedding blood among Luos was “abhorrent” and urged residents to reject political intolerance and criminal gangs.
“It is shameful for Luos to shed the blood of fellow Luos. We cannot afford to fight ourselves. Our culture abhors bloodshed,” Ayaga said.
He appealed to the community to remain united despite political differences.
“Let us walk together and work together. In Luo land, what we fear most is bloodshed because once blood is spilled, the scars remain with generations,” he said.
Ayaga invoked the legacy of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, saying his political sacrifices were guided by a desire to preserve national unity after independence.
“Jaramogi sacrificed his position and ceded ground so that Kenya could heal after the immense bloodshed suffered during the struggle for independence. That spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation should guide us today,” he said.
Rejecting political goonism
The elders expressed concern over recent violent confrontations involving suspected political gangs in Kisumu, warning that leaders should stop allegedly sponsoring youths to settle political scores.
“Kisumu has grown into a melting pot. It is now a multicultural city where people from different communities live and work together. We must tolerate one another and completely discard goonism,” Ayaga said.
In a swipe at educated youths participating in violent gangs, he said academic achievement should never be used to justify criminal conduct.
“Some of these goons even hold Master’s degrees. It is shameful that people with such education can choose violence instead of becoming role models for society.”
Ayaga urged politicians to embrace issue-based politics instead of inciting confrontation.
“When politics degenerates into fights and division, it ceases to serve the people. Politics should unite communities, not divide them.”
During the meeting, the elders unanimously elected Dr Ojweke Omamo as the new Secretary General of the Luo Council of Elders, replacing the late Abel Ombuor of Migori, who died while serving in the position.
Deputy Ker Ajiki Jotham, who attended the briefing alongside other senior elders, echoed the call for restraint, saying violence had never been part of Luo traditions.
“Do not fight among yourselves. That is not Luo culture. Our strength has always been dialogue, wisdom and unity,” he said.
The elders urged residents, political leaders and the youth to reject incitement and work towards safeguarding peace as political activity intensifies ahead of the next electoral cycle, insisting that development and stability can only flourish where unity prevails.