The 4th Edition of the Piny Luo Cultural Festival was held from December 31, 2024, to January 2, 2025, at the Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo Sub County, Siaya County. This event brought together members of the Luo community from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, celebrating the theme "Luo Unity in Diversity and in Diaspora." The festival commenced with an official opening by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on December 31, 2024. The opening ceremony featured traditional music and dance performances, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Luo people. Siaya Governor James Orengo welcomed attendees, emphasizing the significance of unity among the Luo community across different regions.
Throughout the festival, various activities displayed Luo traditions and customs. Traditional dances, music performances, and storytelling sessions provided insights into the community's cultural practices. Additionally, there were exhibitions displaying traditional artifacts, crafts, and attire, offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of Luo heritage.
On Day Two of the event which was at Wich Lum Beach in South Sakwa Ward, marked by exciting sporting event such as the competitive boat racing, traditional wrestling, the showcasing of Tero Buru ceremony- A funeral rite of passage performed to chase away the evil spirits and death
Visit to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum
The activities extended to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in Kang’o in Bondo. The mausoleum, which preserves the legacy of Kenya’s first Vice President and a foremost Luo leader, became a focal point for reflection on the community’s contributions to Kenya’s independence and cultural identity.
Key features of the mausoleum include:
- Personal artifacts of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, such as his iconic walking sticks.
- Traditional Luo weapons, including spears, shields, and bows, highlighting the community’s historical connection to craftsmanship and defense.
- Photographs of prominent African leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, and Haile Selassie, highlighting Pan-African solidarity.
During the visit, the leaders and attendees reflected on the sacrifices and achievements of Jaramogi and other freedom fighters. The mausoleum’s role as a repository of Luo culture and Kenya’s liberation history was lauded as an educational resource for future generations.
Celebrations at Got Ramogi
On the last day of the festival, President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri K. Museveni joined the Luo Nation at Got Ramogi, a sacred site believed to be the ancestral settlement of the Luo community. The event saw the coronation of President Museveni, President William Ruto, and Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga as Luo Elders. This rare honor was bestowed by Luo Council of Elders Chairperson Odungi Randa in a traditional ceremony that resonated deeply with cultural symbolism.
Each leader was presented with:
- A traditional leadership crown—a symbol of authority and wisdom.
- A ruler’s seat—representing leadership and governance.
- A shield and spear—for protection of the people.
- An elder’s traditional cloth—denoting respect and status.
- A whisk—symbolizing peace and harmony.
The Ugandan leader expressed gratitude, acknowledging the honor as his fourth such recognition from Luo-related communities, including the Alur, Acholi, and Lango. He emphasized the importance of fostering unity across East Africa, envisioning a political federation that could enhance regional security and economic development. President Ruto echoed similar sentiments, reiterating the value of cultural heritage in promoting cohesion.
In a landmark announcement during the festival, President Ruto declared the gazettement of Got Ramogi Forest and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum as national cultural heritage sites. This move is aimed at preserving these iconic landmarks and promoting cultural tourism.
The events at Got Ramogi and the mausoleum were deeply symbolic of the Luo Community’s unity, resilience, and pride in their heritage highlighting the Luo Community’s historical and cultural identity, ensuring that the legacy of their ancestors continues to inspire future generations. With the gazettement of these cultural heritage sites, the festival marked a pivotal moment in the preservation and promotion of Luo traditions.
The 4th Piny Luo Cultural Festival that was also attended by Governors Ochilo Ayako (Migori), Gladys Wanga (Homabay), Peter Anyang’ Nyongo (Kisumu), Irungu Kangata (Murang’a), Paul Otuoma (Busia), Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Wicklife Oparanya (Cooperative and MSMEs) Rebecca Miano ( Tourism and Wildlife) reinforced the importance of unity and collaboration among community members across different regions. The successful hosting of this event in Siaya County underscores the region's commitment to preserving and promoting cultural traditions for future generations.
