Wrangles in Luo council leadership transition plan

Leadership wrangles at the Luo Council of Elders have escalated after a faction opposed elections to replace Ker Opiyo Otondi.

Plans are underway to pick a new chair of the council to succeed Ker Otondi who died and was buried in March.

On Thursday, ODM party leader Raila Odinga announced the elders will meet next month to elect a new chairman.

Raila, who attended an engagement meeting with the elders at the Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall in Kisumu town, said the caucus will hold the elections next month after paying final respect to the late Ker Otondi in accordance to Luo traditions.

“The elders were basically brainstorming on how to strengthen the movement and eventually elect a new chairman to replace Mzee Otondi. They have resolved that next month they will pay their final respect to the departed in accordance with the traditions and rights of the Luo community, after which they will be free to fill that position,” Raila said.

He said the election will be conducted during a general assembly which will bring delegates from all sub-counties of Luoland.

Raila, while warning against further division among the elders, said the council should be allowed to discharge its mandate uninterrupted.

 He added that the elders council must be respected at all costs as an important memorable institution in Luo community.  According to Raila, the council has representatives from all the Luo sub-clans and communities and was instrumental in dealing with issues like marriage, death and traditions