SIAYA, Kenya – Luo Council of Elders Chairperson (Ker) Odungi Randa has called on the Luo community to remain united and continue supporting the broad-based government formed under President William Ruto, saying it reflects the political direction championed by the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Randa said unity and continued engagement with the national government would honour the legacy of the late Azimio leader.
“Raila left us in a broad-based government, and that is where we should remain. We are fully supporting President William Ruto and his government,” Randa said.
He lauded Raila for what he termed a “wise and selfless decision” to rally his supporters behind the government of national unity, urging the community to emulate the late leader’s commitment to national cohesion.
Randa, who recalled being detained at Kamiti Prison while Raila was held at Manyani Prison in the 1980s, described the former Prime Minister as “a patriot and true democrat who sacrificed his life for Kenya’s freedom.”
In a lighter moment, the elder stirred laughter when he challenged Luo men to be more productive and expand their families, saying other communities were growing at a faster rate.
“Luos from Congo and neighbouring countries have been asking what our men are doing with women instead of having more children. Men should do their duty,” he quipped.
Randa also urged families to name their newborn children after Raila to preserve his legacy.
“From today, we want children named after Raila Odinga. His legacy must continue through our children to be born,” he said.
The event was marked by moments of deep emotion and cultural symbolism. Kanyamwa Kosewe MCA Nicholas Owaka performed a traditional incantation invoking the spirit of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father, to bless and calm the community during the mourning period.
Owaka, known for his ceremonial chants, hailed Raila as a “mentor, Pan-Africanist, and father of democracy and devolution.”
Raila’s burial at the institution he helped establish drew thousands of mourners, including political leaders, elders, and international dignitaries, who paid tribute to his decades-long fight for democracy, justice, and inclusion.
