HOMA BAY, Kenya — Luo Council of Elders Chairman Odungi Ranga has come under sharp criticism after warning that members of the Luo community who fail to support President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027 risk being cursed, with a section of elders demanding that he apologise or step down from his position.
The controversy stems from remarks Ranga made during a prayer and thanksgiving ceremony organised by Homa Bay County Woman Representative Dr Joyce Osogo on Sunday, where he urged members of the Luo community to rally behind President Ruto’s second-term bid following the political direction taken by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders.
According to leaders who attended the event, Ranga warned that those who defy calls by ODM leader Oburu Oginga and party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga to support President Ruto would face traditional curses.
His remarks have since sparked outrage among a section of Luo elders, who argue that cultural leadership should remain neutral and should never be used to advance partisan political interests.
The Vice Chairman of the Greater Rachuonyo Elders Forum, Moth Aroko, condemned the statement, describing it as divisive and inconsistent with the responsibilities of a cultural leader.
“Elders, whether it is an elder of Luo, should be neutral persons. What Ker Odungi Ranga uttered is an unfortunate statement. I’m kindly requesting Bwana Odungi Ranga to apologize to Kenyans and Luos at large over his unfortunate statement. He said that if you cannot follow our leaders, you will be cursed,” Aroko said on Tuesday.
He argued that invoking curses against people based on their political choices undermines the unity that elders are expected to foster within the community.
“As an elder, as per our culture, that is a very strong statement which should not come from an elder who is a Ker who is leading Luo in all aspects of cultural and political,” he added.
Other elders also distanced themselves from Ranga’s remarks, insisting that cultural institutions should serve all members of the community regardless of their political affiliations.
Ndhiwa Elders Forum for Socio-economic Development Secretary Alfred Ogao and fellow elder Larence Airo accused Ranga of abandoning his traditional role by venturing into partisan politics.
They urged Luo residents to ignore the threats, maintaining that no individual has the authority to curse community members for exercising their constitutional right to support political leaders of their choice.
The criticism comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with sections of ODM leaders backing continued cooperation with President Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement.
Senior ODM figures, including Oburu Oginga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, have publicly defended the party’s collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration, even as divisions continue to emerge within the opposition over the alliance.
