Luo Council of Elders Co-Opts 9 Eminent Leaders in Post-Raila Reorganisation

• Luo Council of Elders co-opts nine eminent leaders after Raila Odinga’s death, marking a rare and strategic restructuring effort
• New members include distinguished scholars, diplomats, engineers and jurists, all brought in to reinforce unity and institutional strength
• The council says the community must stay united as it enters a new phase, with observers noting the move could shield the body from political interference

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The Luo Council of Elders has taken a decisive step to consolidate its leadership following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a rare and symbolic move, the council has co-opted nine eminent personalities drawn from top academic, diplomatic, legal and professional fields to strengthen its ranks.

This resolution was made on Thursday, November 27, during a special Executive Council sitting convened at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu.

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Why Luo Council of Elders co-opted 9 leaders

The session was chaired by Ker Odungi Randa, who said the community was entering a sensitive phase that required stronger institutions and united leadership.

The elders agreed that it was time for the Council to take up its full responsibility of fostering unity, harmony and peaceful relations both within the Luo community and with other communities across Kenya.

In their statement, the elders acknowledged that the community was still mourning Raila and his sister Beryl Achieng Odinga, but emphasised the need to stay united.

List of new leaders co-opted to Luo Council of Elders

The nine leaders brought into the Council represent some of the most distinguished Luo experts drawn from academia, diplomacy, engineering and the judicial field.

Eric Opon Nyamunga, a respected community elder, is among those picked, alongside George Outa, a multidisciplinary scholar and policy specialist who leads the Nyanza Professional and Business Caucus.

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The list also features retired Judge Justice Onyango Otieno, former Migori MP John Pesa, and diplomat Lazarus Amayo.

Others include businessman Sam Wakiaga, Maseno University vice-chancellor and plant scientist Julius Omondi Nyabundi, NCIC commissioner and former Rangwe MP Phillip Okundi, and veteran scholar Edward Oyugi Akong’o, who was detained during the Moi-era struggle for multi-party reforms.

According to the council, all nine accepted the call to serve and advance the interests of the community.

“The council resolved that, in order to enhance and strengthen its capacity, and to effectively discharge its important mandate, it is necessary and urgent to co-opt the following senior eminent members of the community, who have graciously accepted to serve the community and promote its interests,” they added.

Ker Odungi Randa praised the newly co-opted members, saying they bring the needed wisdom and charisma.

“Our community is entering a new chapter after the loss of Raila Odinga. We must strengthen our institutions, reinforce our unity, and guide our people with wisdom,” he said.

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The statement was endorsed by Randa together with the entire council membership.

Source: TUKO.co.ke