Forty-Sixth Logooli Festival – a celebration of Maragoli culture and traditions – was an event to behold at Mbale Municipal Grounds on December 26 highlighted with a dazzling display of colours and revelries.

The event, a cornerstone of the annual calendar for the Maragoli community drew in a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic participants that were eager to revel in the rich heritage of the Luhyia subtribe credited with entrenchment of Christianity in western Kenya.

Headlined by the theme of Leadership is Wealth, the festival was a platform for prominent Luhyia leaders to reconnect with their roots and advocate for unity and progress.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who was the chief guest, delivered a stirring address that appealed on the Luhya community to embrace collaboration and cooperation with other communities to drive economic development.

“We cannot prosper as a community if we isolate ourselves. Let’s shun divisive politics and instead focus on fostering alliances and partnerships that will uplift our economy,” Mudavadi said.

A highlight of the festival was the formal induction of over 100 elders into the Maragoli Council of Elders, with Mudavadi assuming the mantle of leader and patron. The symbolic ceremony underscored the importance of preserving the wisdom and heritage of the community for future generations.

In attendance were a host of dignitaries, among them Vihiga Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and Women Representative Beatrice Adagala.

The Logooli Festival serves as a vibrant expression of unity, tradition and cultural pride, encapsulating the spirit of the Maragoli community and setting the stage for a brighter future guided by collaboration and inclusivity.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Sylvester Muhadi / Maureen Imbayi