Some Luo Council of Elders have askeds members to stop endorsing politicians ahead of the 2022 polls.
The council argued that such acts are likely to be abused and create division among members and the community.
Chairman Nyandiko Ongadi said members should remain neutral.
Ongadi said elders are also likely to be swayed by money and other goodies and abandon the cardinal objectives of the council.
“Let members operate within the agenda of the council which is to unite the community. Engaging in endorsement politics is divisive and detrimental to the society,” Ongadi said.
Ahead of the 2022 general election, different politicians are seeking blessings from elders.
Some of the prominent persons who have sought such favours include presidential aspirant Jimmi Wanjigi.
In September, Wanjigi visited the home of Opiyo Otondi in Kisumu to seek blessings for the ODM presidential ticket.
In Homa Bay, Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, businessman Jared Kiasa and county secretary Isaiah Ogwe have been endorsed by elders.
Speaking to journalists at his home in Kendu Bay, Karachuonyo constituency on Tuesday, Ongadi warned elders against overstepping their mandates.
He said the council was formed solely to unite the community.
“Elders are not supposed to take political sides. The moment you endorse an aspirant, it means you support his bid and this is against our role of being neutral,” he added.
Ongadi warned politicians against misusing youths to cause chaos during the electioneering period.
“It’s important for politicians to campaign with decorum. We don’t want youths to engage in chaos because they support different politicians,” Ongadi said.
Ongadi was together with Awuor Akede, who urged the council members not to allow themselves to be bought by politicians.
“Accepting cash is very dangerous and can lead the council to division,” Akede said.
They asked members of the council to strictly practice the preservation of the cultural activities to avoid diverting their attention to politics.
“We hope to promote the Luo community heritage as per the council tradition,” Akede said.
