Africa-Press – Kenya. The Luo Council of Elders and the Luhya Elders Forum have begun a collaborative partnership following a joint meeting in Kakamega. The session aimed to address economic and political issues affecting the two communities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a move directed at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, the elders, meeting at Sheywe Guest House at the invitation of their Luhya counterparts, called on the party to respect and uphold unity between the two communities.
Led by Steve Ahaga, the Deputy Chairman of the Ker, the joint council urged ODM to ensure that the relationship between the Luo and Luhya remains intact. Ahaga explained that the two groups must collaborate to ensure a strategic merger ahead of the polls.
The elders cautioned ODM against actions or statements that could sow division.
Led by the Executive Committee of the Luhya Council of Elders—including Noah Wekesa, Secretary and moderator Peter Ludaava, and Fred Omido—they noted that the Luo and Luhya share a historical bond as neighbouring communities that have never engaged in inter-tribal conflict.
Opposition to Nuclear Power and Resource Management
The joint council also took a firm stand against the government’s proposal to construct a nuclear power plant in Rarieda District, Siaya County. They warned that the project would have far-reaching environmental and health implications.
“In view of the likely implications of the nuclear plant to health and the environment in and around the entire Eastern Africa region, the Council resolved to reject in toto the plans of going ahead with the project,” the resolution read in part.
The elders further faulted the project for a lack of meaningful public participation, arguing it violates constitutional requirements. They noted that Lake Victoria is a cross-border resource and cited the abandonment of a similar plan in Kilifi following public opposition.
Consequently, they agreed to establish a technical committee, chaired by Engineer Philip Okundi and deputised by a nominee from the Luhya Council, to examine safety and risk concerns for Lake Victoria basin communities.
Concerns Over Sugar Industry and Mining
The council expressed concern regarding the controversial sale of state-owned sugar companies, raising alarms over the lack of information available to farmers in Chemelil and Nzoia.
The elders protested that farmers remain unaware of the buyers’ identities or whether community interests were factored into the sales. To address this, they formed a joint technical committee to investigate the sales and report back within 45 days.
In their wide-ranging communiqué, the elders also raised concerns over escalating gold mining in Western Kenya, particularly in Kakamega County, where they warned of possible community displacement.
They argued that poorly managed mining could threaten security, urging the government to develop legislation to guide mining, ensure fair compensation, and provide alternative settlements.
In the spirit of inclusion, the groups revealed plans to engage other Kenyan communities through similar institutions.
This meeting follows a session held a week prior to discuss Western region development, which was also attended by Sifuna and Osotsi.
