By Standard Reporter
Luo elders met Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the weekend and resolved to end their longstanding leadership differences, The Standard has learnt.
The elders were concerned their disagreements could undermine the community’s unity ahead of the next General Elections, where Raila is among those eyeing State House.
Consequently, they prevailed upon Raila to reconcile two elders’ warring factions, led by Ker Mzee Riaga Ogallo and another by Ker Opiyo Otondi.
This is after it emerged that Raila’s political opponents were trying to ride on the growing disunity among them, to antagonise relationships between the South and other parts of Luo Nyanza.
Some of the elders privy to the secret talks held at Park View Apartment in Kisumu’s Milimani area between the faction led by Ogallo, reportedly claimed the move would jeopardise peaceful campaigns for the Premier and asked him to intercede to put the matter to rest.
‘’We decided to settle our disputes through an arbitrator, rather than face the expense of a lengthy court battle,’’ said one of the elders who sought anonymity.
Court battles
The elders’ differences had spiraled to court, which recently gave Ogallo the mandate to carry on as the legitimate chairman, months after Opiyo was coroneted as the chair.
The PM attended and witnessed the ceremony held last year and called for an end to the social differences.
Raila reportedly told the elders that giving ear to all complaints equitably requires suspension of personal biases.
Sources confided to The Standard that some elders wanted, if possible, fresh elections to be held so they could pick a new neutral chairman to head the council.
