Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was on Saturday, July 27, crowned a Luo elder in a colorful cultural ceremony held at Ong’er Grounds in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County. The event, which coincided with an economic empowerment forum, was marked by traditional rituals, symbolic gifts, and a public show of cross-cultural unity.
In recognition of his peaceful and diplomatic demeanor, Kindiki was bestowed the Luo name Odhiambo. As part of the crowning, he was presented with the ‘seat of power’, adorned in traditional Luo leadership regalia, and handed a spear and shield powerful symbols of authority and the responsibility to defend the nation.
The event was attended by several national and local leaders, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, Woman Representative Fatuma ‘Full Network’ Mohamed, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Senator Eddie Oketch, and President Ruto’s private aide Farouk Kibet.
Speaking at the forum, Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the lives of residents in Migori and other counties through infrastructure, education, and economic development projects. He praised the spirit of national cohesion and urged leaders across the political divide to prioritize the country’s interests over personal ambitions. He also lauded former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for his role in fostering peace and unity in Kenya.
Kindiki’s installation as a Luo elder comes just months after President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni received similar honors during the Piny Luo cultural festival in Siaya. That event, themed “Luo Unity in Diversity and in Diaspora,” aimed to bring together Luo communities from across the globe and was witnessed by Raila Odinga.
The crowning of the Deputy President underscores the continued efforts to bridge political and cultural divides, promoting unity among Kenya’s diverse communities. It also reflects the Luo community’s increasing openness to cross-regional political partnerships.
