The position, which Raila held for decades, is
regarded as both symbolic and strategic in giving the community direction -both
cultural and political.
The holder expected to provide guidance on matters
affecting the Luo community while serving as a unifying figure during periods
of political and social change.
In a press briefing in Kisumu on Thursday, the council’s
secretary general Dr Peter Ojweke said consultation are ongoing and the
announcement will be made public soon.
“We are now in the process of installing the new
patron, which will be communicated to you very soon, if not soonest,” Ojweke
said.
The process is expected to involve extensive
consensus-building to ensure the eventual choice commands respect across the
community.
Unlike an elective political office, the patron's
position is rooted in the community's traditions and is intended to transcend
partisan politics.
The office carries the responsibility of
safeguarding the interests, culture and unity of the Luo people while offering
counsel on major national and regional issues.
Among the key qualities being considered are
integrity, proven leadership, humility, wisdom and the ability to unite people
across political, generational and clan divisions.
Elders also want an individual with a deep
understanding of Luo customs and traditions, a clean public record and the
capacity to engage national leaders on issues affecting the community.
The next patron is also expected to possess strong
conflict-resolution skills, enabling him to mediate disputes within the
community and foster dialogue whenever political differences threaten
community’s unity.
According to members of the council, the individual
should command respect not only among the Luo but also nationally, reflecting
the stature that Raila enjoyed during his lifetime.
The council was meeting
to among others discuss the fifth edition
of the Piny Luo cultural festival scheduled for late this year.
The event that brings on board Luo-speaking communities across the region is scheduled
to run from December 14 to 16 in Kisumu.
Luo council chairman Ker
Odungi Randa appealed to elected leaders,
professionals, religious leaders, youth, women’s groups and persons living with
disabilities to support the event.
Randa said guests will be coming from as far as
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Nigeria for the cultural
event.
“We call upon the government of Kenya and non-governmental organisations to lend a hand and participate fully,” Randa
said.
They also announced plans to commemorate the
passing on of Raila in October this year.
At the same time, the council lauded the ongoing construction of Raila
Odinga Museum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
“We appreciate the involvement of the government of Kenya, led by President William Ruto, in the
construction of the museum,” Ojweke said.
“We wish to thank the President for his efforts to
create a permanent international mark of our fallen hero, Raila Amolo Odinga.”
