Luo Council of Elders names nine prominent members to lead community

The Luo Council of Elders has picked nine prominent members to lead the community in the post-Raila Odinga era. Ker Odungi Randa said that the new team will support the council in its mandate of promoting peace, harmony and unity within the Luo community and between the Luos and other Kenyan communities. The nine, who have all accepted the new role, include businessman Eng. Phillip Okundi, former MP for Rangwe; Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi, vice-chancellor of Maseno University and plant scientist; John Pesa, former MP for Migori Constituency; and businessman Sam Wakiaga. Other members are Prof. George Outa, a multidisciplinary scholar and policy expert who also chairs the Nyanza Professional and Business Caucus, Prof. Edward Oyugi Akong’o, Ambassador Lazarus Amayo, a career diplomat, Eng. Eric Opon Nyamunga, community elder, and retired Judge Justice Onyango Otieno. Randa said the community should continue to uphold peace during the time of mourning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Raila died on October 15. The decision to incorporate the nine members into the community leadership came at a time when some elected leaders have been traversing the region seeking to be declared as the community kingpin. Energy Miniter Opiyo Wandayi on December 5 hosted the council of elders at his Ogunja home where he was made a Luo elder. Treasury Minister John Mbadi has also declared interest in becoming the community leader and is seeking to run for the presidency in the 2032 general elections. The Permanent Secretary for Internal Security Ray Omollo has also been mentioned as eyeing the top leadership.