The political rivalry between President William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has now seeped into the Luo Council of Elders (Ker) succession process.
The two factions of elders in the community have been at odds with each other, each accusing the other of pursuing political interests.
While the holder of the office is expected to unite and provide guidance on the culture and traditions of the Luo community, divisions began in 2010 after members ousted Ker Riaga Ogallo following allegations of abuse of office.
Currently, Raila has come out strongly against President Kenyatta’s administration focusing on the BBI advisory board he chairs with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On the other hand, William Ruto has positioned himself as an alternative to Raila’s grand coalition as enshrined in the handshake.
Ruto uses poverty as his strong campaign key, which has worked in campaigns that handed him victory in Uasin Gishu and Narok county gubernatorial positions.
In his eagerness to unseat Raila from control over Luo council of elders (Ker), Ruto might have set out plans to unseat him through his close friendship with Bomet Governor Hillary Barchimjo.
In revolt against the installation of Opiyo Otondi as Ker, a rival faction led by Nyandiko Ongadi formed a parallel group.
Mr Ongadi has accused Mr Odinga of interfering in their activities and trying to influence their decisions on key issues affecting the community.
Claiming to be the legitimate leader of the group, Mr Ongadi has thrown his support behind President Ruto.
He has claimed that no elections should be held to replace Ker Otondi as chairman of the council. “I will challenge any attempt to elect a new chairman because I have registration documents for Luo Council of Elders,” said Mr Ongadi.
However, a member of the council, Mr Odungi Randa, has reiterated that the exercise will continue next week as directed by Mr Odinga, who is their patron.
While accusing Mr Ongadi of being pushed by external forces, Mr Randa warned that the move could affect community cohesion.
In an attempt to grab a share of the community that has rallied behind the opposition leader over the past year, Dr Ruto is keen to gain a foothold in one of the community’s key pillars as he prepares to seek re-election in 2027.
Last month, during a visit to Kisumu, Mr Odinga held a meeting with elders who agreed to begin the process of electing a new chairman this month.
The burial rites for late Ker Otondi were postponed due to Mama Grace Onyango’s death.
The 10th Ker of the Luo community will take over a chain of command that began in 1945 when Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was installed in the same position under the auspices of the defunct but powerful Luo Union East Africa.
