...as council unveils Dr Charles Omamo Ojweke as new Secretary General
OFAFA HALL,15th,July,2026 -As political drumbeats rise in a crescendo ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Luo Council of Elders has called on the community to embrace peace and harmonious coexistence for the sake of present and future generations.
This appeal follows recent coordinated violence where opposing groups attempted to attack Linda Mwananchi luminaries, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who had attended a church service and fundraiser at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Cathedral in Milimani, Kisumu, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The skirmishes left a trail of destruction, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, nine torched motorcycles, and a damaged police vehicle.
Speaking during the unveiling of the Council’s new Secretary General, Chief Elder James Ayaga emphasized that their core mantra is to champion peace, love, and harmony. The elders stressed that churches are sacred places of worship that must be respected by all, expressing dismay at how holy sanctuaries are increasingly being turned into scenes of heinous crimes rather than places for spiritual nourishment and mental strength.
From time immemorial, the elders noted, the community has never been associated with weaponized, bloody attacks against their own kinsmen. They explained that the community historically fears shedding blood to settle political scores, recalling heroic gestures by founding leaders like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who famously delayed his own path to the presidency out of consideration for the lives and plight of others(the mountainous Kikuyu community). The council urged the community to follow in those footsteps for the sake of national cohesion and unity.
Addressing political players, Ogai Ayaga further advised both elected and aspiring leaders that true leadership requires God-given wisdom to serve the people, which includes accepting that others will oppose their ideals. He reminded residents that the cosmopolitan nature of the lakeside city has driven its socio-economic and cultural growth for years, urging everyone especially the youth to reject goonism and ensure Kisumu remains open and free to all.
He lamented that some of the youths caught up in these political skirmishes are master’s degree holders who are hoodwinked with as little as Sh500 to commit crimes, stressing the urgent need to empower the youth through constructive means rather than violence.
On his part, the incoming Secretary General, Dr. Charles Omamo Ojweke who succeeds the late Paul Owino Ombuor, welcomed his election and promised to serve the global Luo nation with aplomb and gusto.
He noted that the position is strictly apolitical, requiring immense tolerance, transparency, accountability, and constant consultation with elders to ensure the community moves forward as a united front.
