ODM leader Raila Odinga has called on families in the Nyanza region to embrace land consolidation and move away from the long-standing tradition of constructing scattered homesteads. Speaking during a fundraiser at Wang’ Adonji SDA Church in Karachuonyo Constituency, where he was hosted by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Odinga urged Luo elders to champion a shift toward modern urban-style settlements.
Odinga noted that the cultural practice of allocating separate parcels of land to each son for building homesteads is no longer sustainable due to the increasing population and diminishing land resources. He explained that in the past, land was abundant, allowing parents to comfortably allocate plots to their sons. However, today, with land becoming scarcer, the community must rethink its settlement patterns.
“What I have experienced is that there is a big disparity in the availability of land between today and the days when we were young,” said Odinga. “Urbanisation is the only way to go. Let our elders start promoting the agenda in the community.”
The former Prime Minister proposed that families adopt a centralised housing model, where members build homes on a shared residential plot, leaving the rest of the land for agriculture and development projects. He argued that this model would increase land productivity and facilitate the provision of public services like roads, water, electricity, and health facilities.
Odinga emphasized that such planned settlements have succeeded in many developed countries and could equally benefit the Luo community if implemented locally.
Governor Wanga echoed Odinga’s sentiments and urged residents to remain committed to development-focused politics. She also encouraged grassroots leaders to continue strengthening the ODM party across the region.
“Let all officials of ODM work hard in strengthening the party in their jurisdictions,” she said.
The proposal has sparked debate within the region, with many seeing it as a timely intervention in addressing land scarcity and fostering sustainable development in Nyanza. If embraced, the shift could mark a significant transformation in rural planning and community living in western Kenya.
