Ruto crowned Luo elder at Thmlich Ohinga in Migori
By Joel Masibo, December 17, 2025President William Ruto has been crowned a Luo elder at the Thimlich Ohinga site in Migori County during the 5th Piny Luo Festival. Ruto was honoured alongside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Oburu Odinga, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
In their remarks, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the establishment of a proper cultural centre at the Thimlich Ohinga Historic Site to preserve the Luo history, promote tourism, and pass our heritage on to future generations.
”Preserving our rich and diverse cultural heritage is the foundation of unity. Culture brings people together, strengthens community bonds, and from this shared identity builds a united nation anchored in diversity and mutual respect,” Ruto said.
Touching on national integration, President Ruto said: ”Guided by this spirit, we remain committed to uniting our country by rallying Kenyans around the country’s development priorities and by transforming our politics into an agenda-based, free from tribalism, hatred, and division, and anchored on strong national political parties.”
Commenting on the cowning ceremony, Oburu Odinga expressed delight in the recognition. ”Today marks a great honour as I am officially crowned the Luo Community Leader at Thim Lich Ohinga in Migori County. I accept this responsibility with humility and a deep commitment to serve with integrity, unity, and purpose,” Oburu said.
Strengthening ODM
President William Ruto also used the event to urge ODM to strengthen its structures as he hinted at a possible future alliance and collaboration with the veteran opposition party. Speaking at the festival, Ruto appealed to ODM supporters to ensure the party remains strong heading into the 2027 elections.
“I have stated that we will continue with our plans for this country. I know you people are ODM supporters,” he said.
While hinting at a further collaboration beyond their current deal under the broad-based arrangement signed between him and the late Raila Odinga in March 2025, Ruto underscored that approaching the next frontier of the new partnership is on a solid base.
“You have to make plans yourself and strengthen your ODM party. We want a strong ODM so that we can plan together the leadership of this country. If you make your party strong, I will also make the UDA party strong, and we can then proceed to agree on how we will form the government,” he stated.