Luo Council of Elders has urged leaders from the Nyanza region to close ranks and rally behind the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as the community navigates its political future following the death of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement, council Chair (Ker) Odungi Randa said the unity of the Luo community has historically been anchored on strong leadership and the influence of elders, tracing this legacy to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Randa noted that Jaramogi leveraged councils of elders across East Africa to unify the Luo people and nurture a generation of leaders who played key roles during the struggle for independence and in post-independence governance. 

He recalled that institutions such as the Luo Union East Africa and the iconic Ofafa Memorial Hall provided a foundation for leadership through guidance and moral authority. He, however, expressed concern that the influence of elders has waned in the face of evolving technology and changing social dynamics, warning that the community risks losing its cultural anchors.

“Our strength has always been rooted in unity, discipline, respect and cultural pride. These are the values that have defined us and sustained our leadership,” he said.

The elders now want Luo politicians to unite under ODM, which they described as the enduring political vehicle built by Raila, and to support its current leadership under Oburu Oginga. 

Randa said a united front would enable the community to remain influential in national politics and effectively negotiate its place in government.

He cautioned against internal divisions within the party, warning that disunity could weaken the region’s political bargaining power at a critical time.

At the same time, the council strongly condemned what it termed as the forceful and humiliating recovery of property linked to former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju, accusing law enforcement officers of using excessive force and conducting the operation at night.

Randa said the manner in which the incident was handled was disrespectful and unnecessary, particularly given Tuju’s stature as a senior public figure, and called on the Inspector General of Police to provide a full account of the events.

“If there are outstanding obligations, they should be handled with dignity and within the law, without resorting to public humiliation,” he said, adding that the community stands in solidarity with the former minister.

The elders also raised alarm over rising tensions following reported incidents of violence in parts of Nyanza, urging the government to act swiftly against those responsible and calling on leaders to promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

They further appealed to residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni during their planned visit to Kisumu on March 21, where they are expected to preside over the launch of key infrastructure projects, including the standard gauge railway extension at Kibos.

Randa said the visit presents an opportunity for the region to demonstrate unity and its commitment to national development, urging leaders and residents alike to embrace dialogue, cohesion and a shared political direction.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Owen Yimbo and Vallery Nyagaka