Siaya county will host the Luo cultural festival that is expected to bring together Luo-speaking communities in East Africa and beyond.
According to the organizing committee chaired by the Kisumu deputy governor, Mathews Owili, the event, dubbed “the spirit of the Luo unity in diversity,” will begin on 31st December, 2024 before culminating with the official opening of a new Olympic-standard stadium in Siaya town on 2nd January, 2025.
Speaking at the Siaya county headquarters, when he led the committee together with Luo council of elders in paying a courtesy call on Governor James Orengo, Owili said that Luo-speaking communities in Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo will participate in the festival.
He called on the community members from Homabay, Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and the diaspora to make time and visit Siaya to celebrate the cultural heritage of the community.
A member of the organizing committee, Professor Adams Oloo, said a symposium will be held at Got Ramogi, the dispersal point of the Kenyan Luos, to share the community’s rich heritage.
A representative of Acholi elders from Uganda, Rwot Okidi, said he had been sent by the council of elders of Acholi both in Uganda and South Sudan with a message that they will mobilise to send a delegation to the festival.
“This is just the beginning. We should build family relations,” said Okidi.
Meanwhile, the Cooperative Bank of Kenya has donated one million shillings to support the hosting of the festival.
Speaking while receiving the donation in his office yesterday, Siaya Governor, James Orengo hailed the Bank for the support.
Orengo said the festival, which will include cultural dances, sports and boat racing, is expected to attract a high number of visitors.
He said former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga will preside over the official opening of the event while President William Ruto will preside over the culmination of the event with the official opening of the Siaya Stadium on 2nd January, 2024 during which Kenya football champions, Gor Mahia FC will play Tanzanian giants, Yanga FC.
Among those present during the courtesy call at the governor’s office was Luo council of elders’ chairman, Ker Odungi Randa among others.
By Philip Onyango