It was pomp, song and dance as ODM leader Raila Odinga led the Luo community in witnessing the Coronation of the new Luo Council of Elders chairman mzee Ker Odungi Randa, 84.

Randa was feted and garlanded with Luo Cultural outfits and symbols that epitomized the community’s deep-rooted customs and traditions.

Over the years, Ker Luo has been recognized as the symbol of unity in the Luo community.

Council of Elders opposed

Randa was installed amid division among the elders with a parallel faction led by Nyandiko Ongadi, who opposed, the Council leadership skipping the event saying they would not uphold and legitimize the leadership of Mzee Randa.

But Raila seized the coronation opportunity to call for the Luo Unity and told those with dissenting opinions to toe the line and embrace Randa or stop antagonizing the elders’ office for political expediency.

He told the community to remain united under the new leadership of Ker Randa and that those who are discontented can wait for another election in future.

Consequently, Raila dismissed the factional group of elders led by Ongadi claiming a stake in the Cultural leadership saying the only legit Ker recognized by the community leadership is Mzee Randa. Any other is amorphous and illegal.

“There can only be one revered cultural elder at a time. Randa is the Community’s revered leader. Any other group of outfits claiming the leadership is inconsequential,” Raila said.

Before the Coronation of Ker Randa, there was drama at the historic Luo Cultural Centre -Ofafa Hall, where a parallel group led by Nyandiko tried in vain to claim the Cultural office earlier in the week, forcing police to step in and quell tension by hurling tear gas canisters that saved the rival faction from the wrath of protesting ODM youth allied to Ker Randa.

Some of the local leaders spotted were picked up and ended up recording statements with the police where the investigation is on.

This is after their efforts were thwarted by the rowdy ODM youths, who stormed the venue on Thursday and ejected them out of the office to pave the way for the Coronation of Mzee Randa today.

Raila, while acknowledging the new Luo cultural Kingpin, told Nyandiko’s team to stop being misused by the community’s rivals to wreck the leadership from within.

“We want to tell Nyandiko that there is only one Luo Ker and it is Odungi Randa,” Raila declared amid applause from the huge crowds.

Council of Elders attendees

The coronation ceremony was graced by Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), James Orengo (Siaya), Ochillo Ayacko ( Migori), and Gladys Wanga.(Homabay).

Mps led by Minority leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Dr Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central), Onyango koyoo (Muhoroni), Jared Okello(Nyando), Peter Masara (Suna West), Eve Obara( Kasipul -Kabondo), Ruth Odinga( Kisumu County),Christine Ombaka (Siaya County), and James Nyikal (Seme).

Deputy Governors Mathews Owili( Kisumu), and Oyugis Magwanga( Homabay), among other local leaders, were present.

The Mps asked the Luos to rally behind Raila in the new quest for democratic governance.

They asked the residents not to be swayed to the opposite political ends, by their rivals.

This came amid concerns that a section of the UDA leadership from Nyanza have been making relentless efforts to win the community into the UDA fold.

Yesterday, Governors Orengo and Wanga cautioned them against being misled to dump ODM in favour of UDA.

“There is nothing good for a community coming together to fight for the common interests,” Orengo said.

The Governor told their rivals who were busy vote hunting in Nyanza, that they won’t give them room to overshadow the Orange party.

Nyongo backed the move saying they will not condone anti-ODM depopularization campaigns by UDA allies in Nyanza.

He asked the residents to remain united and always rally behind Raila.

Ker Luo’s significance is to unite members of the community and he is also the authentic epitome and custodian of the Luo Culture and traditions.

Ker is also the guide and custodian of the Luo Cultural values that connect the history of the Luo lineage.

Raila said all the counties in Luoland will build Cultural centres. Randa thanked the community for electing him. He vowed to unite Luos to speak in one accord.

“Let’s pray for peace and work together. I will serve all without bias, ” Randa stated.