The fall of Ofafa Memorial Hall, Luo nation’s iconic head office

Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu [Photo: Collins Oduor]

In its heyday, Ofafa Memorial Hall and compound in Kisumu town was the headquarters of the Luo nation. Built from contributions from the Luo nation across East Africa before independence under patronage Kenya’s political icon, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the hall buzzed with culture, history and politics for decades.

A number of Luo rituals were performed here, and many meetings where weighty matters were deliberated and decided on were held here. All the decisions and declarations made here were final. “It was purely a cultural centre, we would have exhibitions of the traditional Luo foods, clothing, and all other aspects of culture, with the Luo Council of Elders members always there to provide guidance to the community,” says Adera Osawa, a Luo elder.