Luo Council of Elders chairman (Ker) Odungi Randa on Thursday urged the Siaya county assembly and the executive to work harmoniously for the benefit of residents.
The Luo Ker was speaking when he visited Governor James Orengo and the MCAs, led by speaker George Okode, at the county headquarters.
His call for peace comes against the backdrop of impeachment talk (of Orengo and his ministers) that rocked the county last week.
Even so, Okode last week dismissed as rumours, the talk about the impeachment of Orengo and some of his cabinet members.
Also, Randa’s sentiments came at a time when Governor Orengo’s leadership has attracted unfavourable pollster rating.
Ker Randa said residents should cherish Orengo as the governor for it is a blessing to the people of Siaya to have Orengo whom he described as a sharp mind and a significant figure in the struggle for rights and freedoms.
“To the people of Siaya, luck visits only once and you are lucky to have Orengo. If there are issues, then sit down and dialogue. Orengo is a human being like anybody else. Let him work then somebody will succeed him at the end of his term,” Randa said.
He said Orengo struggled to be where he is today and it is only proper that he is left to implement his manifesto and see his policies flourish.
The current Luo Ker is one of the second liberation fighters and who served as the personal assistant to the first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
He urged residents to be vigilant over what he termed the willingness by some people to dish out money to distract Orengo.
“Yesterday, somebody asked me to remind you of Luo unity for the exploits of Raila not to go into waste,” he said.
Luo Council of Elders whip James Ayaga said Siaya is home of 'kings' like Jaramogi, Achieng Oneko and Raila Odinga.
“Siaya is a respected name and that is why any small issue emanating from it often captures the attention of the nation. Let us avoid issues that are being talked about in the newspapers [impeachment talk] because the essence of devolution was to develop Siaya,” Ayaga said.
Speaking during the meeting with the elders, Orengo said the assembly and his executive are working harmoniously and promised not to disappoint the people.
“We are together with the assembly even in this meeting meaning that we are a united force. We are fully aware that if we joke then we shall have let the people down,” Governor Orengo said.
He urged his critics not to fear pointing out the mistakes provided they remain objective.
Earlier, Randa visited Got Ramogi shrine to bless the Luo nation before visiting Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo constituency.
The first Luos to migrate to Kenya from South Sudan are believed to have settled at Got Ramogi (Ramogi Hills) in Bondo constituency, thus its significance in the history of the Luo.
Jaramogi’s mausoleum, on the other hand, is respected among the Luo and it is a tourist attraction site.
The elders and the Siaya county government will next year August host the Piny Luo Festival.
Both Orengo and Okode committed to budget for the festival that the county believes will open up the tourism potential of Siaya county.
Orengo further said the four governors of Luo counties will in December this year welcome Ker to a mini celebration of ‘Luo Kitwa gi timbewa' (Luo culture and traditional customs).
Randa used the opportunity to announce the upcoming ‘Luo International’ convention in Kisumu slated for March 23, 2024.
This was the first trip of the Luo Ker to the Nyanza counties since his inauguration during the Piny Luo Festival in Homa Bay in August this year.
Ker Randa is expected to tour coastal Kenya to advance the peace and unity message and the Luo culture and customs.
Part of the decision to tour Ramogi Hills was to seek the the great Ramogi’s blessings upon him ahead of his tour to the coast.