Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Awendo Town.

The week end installation of the new Ker of the Luo Council of Elders by the Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a colorful ceremony attended by three cabinet ministers and a host of MPS from the various constituencies within Luo Nyanza now bring to an immediate end the protracted bickering and power struggle.

The installation ceremony was held at the SONYSUGAR Guest House in Awendo town within Rongo Constituency in Awendo district.

The anointing of Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi as the officially recognized chairman of the squabble-ridden Luo Council of Elders now permanently seals off permanent the fate of the former belligerent officer holder Meshack Riaga Ogalo who had put up a hard fight against his ousters

It was attended by four invited delegates from all the 21 one parliamentary electoral constituencies.b Security was tight and ven some delegates had togo through thorough security check-ups before being allowed entry to the facility,though some had the invitation budges.

Ministers in attendance included the Dalmas Otieno ( Public Service} Peter Anyang” Nyong”o [Medical Services} and Gerald Otieno Kajwang’ {Immigration and Registration of Persons}.

Also in attendance were MPS Oyugi Maguwanga {Kasipula-Kabondo}, Dick Omondi Anyanga {Omuk-Lela of Nyatike},Martin Otieno Ogindo {Rangwe},Cyprian Ojwang’ Omolo {Uriri},.

_The Migori MP John Pesa who is the chairman of the Luo Parliamentary Group read messages of apology from those who were unable to attend the meeting.

Opiyo Otondi became the 9th Ker of the Luo community in a chain of command which began in 1945 when the first modern “Ker” the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was installed to serve in the same position, but under the auspices of the defunct, but powerful Luo Union East Africa.

The delegates to the facility were thoroughly scrutinized by the security personnel as a result of the high tension which had built itself up following rumors that the ousted group led by the former Ker Meshack Riaga Ogalo would storm the venue and cause mayhem. But nothing like that happened and the meeting was held under peaceful atmosphere. The observers were also ushered in after thorough security vetting.

The former Ker Meshack Riaga Ogalo skipped the meeting, but unconfirmed rumors renting the air at the venue of the meeting was the ousted group is in the process of launching a splinter group called Luo Supreme National Council of Elders. But many observers doubted whether the new splinter group would really see the light of the day with Raila Odinga the Luo political kingpin having endorsed the Opiyo Otondi group.

In the new lineup Willis Opiyo Otondi became the new Ker and his deputy is Ex-Senior Chief Omolo Anditi,Sam Ayieko is the Secretary-General, the deputy secretary general is Owino Nyande, whike the treasurer is Abel Ombura and the deputy treasurer if Michael Odote Kojiem,Mzee Othoo Deya is the national organizing secretary with Alogo Raila as his deputy. Also confirmed in their positions were the three members of the board of trustee headed by the former PEO Seth Oluoch, the former educationist Oyuga Tado is the secretary while the treasurer of the board of trustee is N.Okello. The long serving form Kisumu Town MP Dr Mrs Grace Aketch Onyango is the women leader.

Ministers Dalmas Otieno, Otieno Kajwang’ and Anyang Nyong’o also addressed the delegates briefly before Luo Council of Elders members have the responsibility of preserving the community culture and welfare by offering wise counsel on health and socio-economic. Other task before the including fighting HIV/Aids, eradication of poverty and fighting illiteracy and to promote development.

“We have today installed the new “Ker” and there will be no more elections,” Te Council is mandate with heavy task o to tackle many problems which lies ahead, which need to be addressed adequately.

Ker Opiyo Otondi took over from Ker Meshack Riaga Ogalo whom members threw out in June this year following allegations of abuse of office and for making many unauthorized foreign trips without consulting members of the executive, his twice visit to Libya where he had a meeting with the Kibyan strongman Col Muamor El-Gadhafi was among those cited. And for having accepted a gift of a motor vehicle from Patni on behalf of the Council, but which the members had promptly rejected.

Ker Opiyo Otondi pleaded with the MPs for the support from the MPs and Luo technocrats and professionals saying he would like to leave behind a legacy similar to those which were left behind by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga who initiated several business enterprises during his tenure.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com