Mzee Odungi Randa is set to be coronated as the 9th Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders on Friday at the historic Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu.
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.
But the community can only have one leader at a time, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili announced at a press conference on Wednesday morning, joined by members of the committee he chaired and tasked with laying the groundwork for the coronation.
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According to Dr. Owili, this is the moment for all the leaders to show their respect for the community and continue to be loyal to Luo traditions and customs by uniting behind Mzee Randa.
He mentioned that the Luo Council of Elders from all over Africa, religious leaders, and former prime minister Raila Odinga are expected to grace the occasion. The event is scheduled to occur in the 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.
