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Preparations are in top gear for the much-anticipated Piny Luo festival to be graced by President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

 The event will be held in Siaya on January 2. The highlights will be Migwena Cultural activities and the Grand Opening of the 20,000-capacity Siaya Stadium. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has called for cooperation from the residents.

PS Omollo met Siaya Governor James Orengo and was taken through the day’s programme and sites to be visited by the two heads of state.

Omollo’s visit to Siaya comes only a day after a team from Uganda held similar inspections of Siaya Stadium and Got Ramogi to host their president. The PS and Orengo agreed to slot the Got Ramogi function in the morning so that the two heads of state could go to the hill before returning to Siaya Stadium for the official activity at exactly 11 am.

At the stadium, the public should be seated by 8 am and other programmes start. Once the presidents arrive, the protocol team will take up over the event and run it.

 “The number of leaders giving speeches will be reduced to three and event will take half a day,” said Omollo. “It will start at 11 am and it shall end at 4pm,” he added.

The festival promises to be a grand celebration of the rich and vibrant Luo culture, attracting guests from all over Kenya, Africa, and the Diaspora. Under the chairmanship of Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, the event is poised to be one of the largest cultural gatherings in the region.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been confirmed as the chief guest, a major highlight that underscores the festival’s importance to the Luo community and the broader cultural landscape of Kenya.

The Piny Luo Cultural Festival will be a spectacular three-day event that celebrates the heritage, traditions, and achievements of the Luo people.

Owili, who serves as the festival’s chair, emphasised the significance of the festival in bringing together Luo communities from across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond.

“This festival is not just about celebration; it is a powerful reminder of our shared heritage and the need to preserve and promote our cultural practices,” Owili said.

 Cultural exhibitions The event will feature a series of cultural exhibitions, performances, and in[1]teractive sessions, showcasing traditional Luo music, dance, storytelling, crafts, and culinary delights. It will also serve as a forum for cultural exchange and discussion on the ways in which the Luo community can continue to thrive in the modern world.

In addition to Mr Odinga, the festival will be attended by political, cultural, and community leaders. Governors from across Nyanza County, along with Members of Parliament (MPs), Senators, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), are expected to attend and lend their support to the event.

This high-level attendance will high[1]light the significance of the festival not opportunity to taste Luo culinary, offering a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Local artisans will showcase their talent through a variety of cultural exhibitions, featuring everything from traditional beadwork and pottery to contemporary Luo art.

 The festival will also highlight fashion, with traditional and modern clothing collections that pay homage to the colourful and unique style of the Luo community. Additionally, the festival will ofer a platform for storytelling, where elders and cultural ambassadors will recount ancient Luo tales, sharing wisdom and history that have shaped the community’s values.

 Orengo said:” Beyond the celebrations, the Piny Luo Cultural Festival is an im[1]portant platform for regional unity and collaboration.”

With the presence of political leaders and dignitaries from various sectors, the event will provide an opportunity to discuss the future of the Luo community, cultural preservation and regional development.

 Involvement of leaders from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania highlights the festival’s role in strengthening cross-border cultural ties and regional cooperation.

“We are bringing together the best of our traditions. This festival will not only showcase the Luo culture but also create lasting connections that will contribute to growth of our region,” Owili added.

Ruto, Museveni to attend Piny Luo cultural festival the presidents are set to visit Got Ramogi, which has cultural signifcance to Luos, before the main event at Siaya Stadium only for the Luo people but also for the political and economic development of the region.

“We are honoured to have Raila Odinga as our chief guest,” Owili remarked. “His leadership and unwavering sup[1]port for the Luo community make him the perfect person to join us in celebrating our culture and heritage. His presence will undoubtedly inspire many.”

In addition to local dignitaries, the festival will also welcome Luo cultural legends from neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania.

 “These esteemed guests will share their unique perspectives on Luo culture and offer insights into the cultural exchanges that have taken place across East Africa for centuries,” said Owili.

Luo music The Piny Luo Cultural Festival will feature a wide array of cultural performances, with live music and traditional dances taking centre stage.

Lined up for the cultural fete are performances of popular Luo music genres such as Ohangla, Benga, and Rhumba, along with vibrant traditional dances that have been passed down through generations.

 The festival will also spotlight Luo cuisine, with local chefs preparing traditional dishes like nyama choma, ingokho (chicken), osuga (vegetable stew), and the signature ugali. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste Luo culinary, offering a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Local artisans will showcase their talent through a variety of cultural exhibitions, featuring everything from traditional beadwork and pottery to
contemporary Luo art. The festival will also highlight fashion, with traditional and modern clothing collections that pay homage to the colourful and unique style of the Luo community.

Additionally, the festival will offer a platform for storytelling, where elders and cultural ambassadors will recount ancient Luo tales, sharing wisdom and history that have shaped the community’s values.

Orengo said:” Beyond the celebrations, the Piny Luo Cultural Festival is an important platform for regional unity and
collaboration.”

With the presence of political leaders and dignitaries from various sectors, the event will provide an opportunity to discuss the future of the Luo community, cultural preservation and regional development.

The involvement of leaders from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania highlights the festival’s role in strengthening cross-border cultural ties and regional cooperation.

“We are bringing together the best of our traditions. This festival will not only showcase the Luo culture but also create
lasting connections that will contribute to the growth of our region,” Owili added