The historic Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu will this Friday be a beehive of activities during the coronation of Mzee Odungi Randa as the 9th Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders.
Mzee Randa (84) was the long-serving aide to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who was the First Vice President of Kenya and Opposition politician for decades before his demise in January 1994.
He took over the coveted position from his predecessor, the late Opiyo Otondi, who died on February 17, 2023, at the age of 98.
His demise opened Pandora’s box with another faction led by Mzee Nyandiko Ongadi, claiming to be the heir apparent to the throne.
However, Kisumu Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili, declared at a press briefing on Wednesday morning, accompanied by members of the committee he chaired and charged with setting the stage for the coronation, that the community can only have one leader at a time.
Dr. Owili said this was the time when all the leaders should demonstrate respect to the community and remain patriotic to Luo customs and traditions by rallying their support for Mzee Randa.
He said among those expected to grace the occasion are former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Luo Council of Elders from across Africa, and religious leaders. The occasion is set to take place at Ofafa Memorial Hall.
Mzee Randa, who hails from the Nyando sub-county, beat a host of leaders, including Odera Osawa (76), who is the current Secretary General of the Luo Council of Elders, and Mzee Owino Nyadi, the Executive Director of the Council.
His victory was declared during Luo Cultural Festivals held on Friday, June 30th –July 4th, 2023, where Randa was unveiled with the function being spearheaded by Raila Odinga, the Patron, in the presence of Governors; Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), James Orengo (Siaya), and Ochilo Ayako (Migori).
Dr. Owili declared that after the coronation, Mzee Randa will be the custodian of the Luo culture and is expected to guide all matters about the coronation in the Luo Nyanza region.
On his part, Bishop Kasuku Kalolo, an elder from Nyando, said they were all happy that, finally, all stakeholders are now set for the important ceremony.
Kisumu Central MP, Dr. Joshua Oron, who is also the Vice Chair of the Luo Council of Elders, said there was a unique peace and quietness of its kind that filled the air as stakeholders put in the final touches ahead of the ceremony next Friday.
The Treasurer, Luo Council of Elders Kisumu branch,Christine Akeyo, sent a passionate appeal to all residents and visitors from the diaspora to exercise restraint and maturity during the important ceremony, arguing that there was no other Ker (leader) other than Mzee Randa.
Mzee Ajiki Kodh Yamo took the forum through the Chronology of the Luo Council of Elders leadership, pointing out that as the light focused on Kisumu, and way back in 1952, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga became the inaugural Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders.
He was later followed by Mzee Joel Omer, Dr. Ouko Oseng, Paul Mbuya Akoko, Koyo Opien, Adala Otuko, Riaga Ogallo, Opiyo Otondi, and now Mzee Odungi Randa as the 9th Luo Council of Elders Chairman.
Luo dirge filled the air as Mzee Randa displayed honor and respect with the ceremony set to be graced by Luos from as far as Sudan, Ethiopia, Congo, Tanzania, and all the diaspora.
By Joseph Ouma
