Luo Council of Elders opposes endorsement of aspirants

A faction of the Luo Council of Elders has warned its members against endorsing politicians for various seats ahead of the 2022 General Election, saying it is against their mandate.

The council has accused politicians of abusing the outfit to gain political mileage and called on its members not to be swayed by gifts from aspirants seeking elective seats.

Council leader Ker Nyandiko Ongadi accused politicians of taking the organisation for granted, saying aspirants want to use it for their personal gain.

Various politicians are seeking the blessings of elders in their communities as the country approaches the next General Election.

Among prominent politicians who have sought the favour of the senior citizens are presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi, who in September visited the home of Opiyo Otondi in Siaya to seek his blessings so he could take on Raila Odinga for the ODM presidential ticket.

Mr Otondi leads another faction of the Luo Council of Elders.

Several other politicians have done the same as they seek to win different seats.

In Homa Bay County, gubernatorial aspirants like Gladys Wanga, Isaiah Ogwe and Jared Kiasa have been endorsed by senior citizens who are members of the council.

Mr Ongadi, however, said elders are not supposed to endorse anyone for political seats.

"We are not supposed to take political sides. The moment you endorse an aspirant, it means you support his bid and this is against our role of being neutral," he said.

Cause political anxiety

The council’s objective, he said, is unifying the Luo community, not causing divisions.

Mr Ongadi said the council should treat all community members equally regardless of their political affiliations.

He said no elder is supposed to endorse any aspirants because that will be perceived that the council supports that politician.

"It is unfortunate that some of our members, especially in Homa Bay County, have forgotten their role and have decided to take political sides," said the elder.

Mr Ongadi spoke in Kendu Bay town, saying the endorsement was likely to divide the Luo community and cause political anxiety ahead of next year’s polls

He was flanked by other council officials from the faction.

The group cited poverty as the main reason elders are drawn into politics.

Mr Ongadi said elders easily accept cash from politicians and cannot resist their push to support whoever pays them.

"Accepting cash is very dangerous and can lead the council to division," he said.

Mr Awuor Akede, a member of the council, called on elders to preserve cultural practices as a way of diverting their attention from politics.

He said promoting the Luo community heritage is the only way the council will preserve Luo culture.

Members of the Luo Council of Elders faction spoke as the Butsotso elders addressed reporters in Kakamega town to express their displeasure at how the December 31 Bukhungu II meeting was being organised.

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