The Luo Council of Elders has called on the Luo community to remain united and continue supporting President William Ruto’s administration as part of the broad-based government championed by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during Raila’s state funeral at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, the Council’s Chairperson (Ker) Odungi Randa said the best way to honour Raila’s legacy is through unity and cooperation within the inclusive government he helped establish.
“Raila left us in a broad-based government, and that is where we should remain. We are fully supporting President William Ruto and his government,” Randa declared.
Randa praised Raila for what he termed a visionary decision to bring his supporters into the government, ensuring the Luo community remains part of national development and democratic progress.
The elder also lightened the solemn atmosphere with humour, urging Luo men to be more productive and expand their families. “Luos from Congo and neighbouring countries have been asking what our men are doing with women instead of having more children. Men should do their duty,” he joked, sparking laughter among mourners.
He further encouraged parents to name their children after Raila Odinga, saying the late leader’s legacy must live on through future generations.
Randa, who recalled being detained at Kamiti Prison while Raila was imprisoned at Manyani, described the late ODM leader as a patriot and true democrat who sacrificed his life for Kenya’s freedom and democracy.
During the ceremony, Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka performed a traditional incantation to invoke the spirit of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, honouring Raila as a Pan-Africanist, mentor, and the father of democracy and devolution in Kenya.
