President Ruto to be made a Luo elder
President William Ruto is set to be installed as a Luo elder following his just concluded tour of Luo Nyanza region.
Plans for the president’s installation in the ceremonial position were announced by the master of ceremony when the head of state visited Rarieda constituency.
“The function that follows is for the president to be installed as the elder,” the MC said as President Ruto was leaving the podium.
The function was to be presided over by the chairman of Luo splinter group or a faction Nayndiko Ongadi.
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Such functions of installation are normally presided over by the chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Opiyo Otondi, who is the recognized custodian of Luo culture.
Past installations of a Luo elder have always attended by other Luo elders in the presence of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Installation of an elder is only ceremonial and has no political implications.
If President Ruto’s installation happens, he will not be the first non-Luo political leader to attain the position.
In October 2021, former Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui was installed as a Luo elder by the Luo Council of Elders at his Nakuru City office.
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The installation came in the backdrop of his proclamation of his unwavering support for Mr Odinga’s quest for the presidency.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was installed as a Luo elder in a ceremony held in Nyakach, Kisumu County in December 2021.
Matiang’i was hailed by Luo elders as a defender of the handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga.
Prior to that in February 2022, businessman Jimi Wanjgi had been installed as a Luo elder in Kabondo Kasipul, Homa Bay County.
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