- The two-day event will culminate in the naming of the new Ker.
- A rival group had challenged the process and obtained a court order.
Image: FAITH MATETE
Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Friday presided over the start of the two-day Luo festival in total disregard of a court order putting the extravaganza on hold.
A Siaya court on Friday halted the event that is expected to culminate in the installation of a new Luo Council of Elders following the death of Ker Willis Otondi last month.
The order was issued after a rival group led by Nyandiko Ongadi moved to court to stop the process of identifying the Luo elder.
Ker is a revered Luo leader and guides the community on issues to deal with the culture; they also speak on behalf of the community.
On Thursday, Raila led the Luo community consisting of elders, religious leaders, businessmen among political leaders and stakeholders across the region to the annual event christened Piny Luo disregarding the court order.
Raila was accompanied by governors Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), James Orengo (Siaya) and Ochilo Ayacko (Migori).
Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was represented at the cultural event by his deputy Mathews Owili.
The event was also attended by a host of area Luo elected leaders.
The petition was filed by nine people, Nyandiko Ongadi, Thomas Achando, Silas Olala, Okeyo Abebe, Oduogo Gwena, Margaret Nyambok, Felix Okal, Pius Odote and Stephen Oludhe.
The petitioners sued the counties and governors from the Nyanza region with Orengo being named 1st respondent, Kisumu's Anyang Nyong'o as the second respondent, Wanga as 3rd respondent and Ayacko being named the 4th respondent.
The 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th respondents in the case are from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori counties.
The New Luo Council of Elder chairman was set to be unveiled during the Cultural event celebrations that were to be graced by Azimio Leader Raila Odinga amongst other activities.
However, on Thursday, Justice Ogembo issued interim conservatory orders restraining the respondents from holding the event.
“Upon perusal and consideration of the said application, notice of motion, affidavit in support and annexure thereto; it is hereby ordered that the application is certified as urgent, Siaya High Court Judge Daniel Ogembo said.
“The interim conservatory order is hereby issued prohibiting the respondents, their agents and servants, from issuing and or taking any instructions, plans, actions and or activities arising and or based on the decisions and announcements by the first, second, third and fourth respondents to hold a meeting that they describe as an annual cultural event dubbed ‘Piny Luo’ which they scheduled for June 30 to July 1 or any other time in Homa Bay County or anywhere else.”
The hearing is scheduled for July 4.