During the ongoing Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Siaya, President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni were installed as Luo elders, a significant cultural event that honored their contributions and leadership in the region. The installation ceremony took place on Thursday, marking the culmination of the three-day festival, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Luo community. The installation was performed by Ker Odungi Randa, with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also present to witness the historic moment.
Raila expressed his deep gratitude for the presence of both presidents at the event, highlighting the honor it brought to the Luo community. He noted that Piny Luo was privileged to have such distinguished guests and thanked them for their commitment to the celebration of Luo culture.
In a remarkable gesture of goodwill, President Museveni presented the Luo elders with historical photographs from the era of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta. These pictures, taken in 1963 during a meeting in Nairobi involving prominent leaders like Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, and Milton Obote, captured a pivotal moment in East African history when the idea of a Federation of East Africa was discussed. Museveni reflected on the subsequent political changes, noting how Nyerere and Karume formed Tanzania after the federation plans faltered.
Additionally, Museveni voiced his support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, expressing confidence in Raila’s ability to mobilize and unite African states. Ruto also backed Raila’s candidature, emphasizing that it was not only for Kenya but for the entire East African region. He explained that the decision had been made after discussions with East African heads of state, who unanimously agreed that Raila had the right credentials to promote the unity and prosperity of Africa.
The event underscored the strong regional ties and collaboration between Kenya, Uganda, and the Luo community, with both Presidents Ruto and Museveni reaffirming their support for Raila’s African Union aspirations.
