President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kenya's President William Ruto have been crowned Luo elders at the conclusion of the Piny Luo Festival in Siaya County, Kenya. The event celebrated East African unity and cultural heritage, highlighting the shared history and aspirations of the region’s Luo communities.
The crowning ceremony took place at Got Ramogi Hill, a historical site for the Luo people. The Ker (cultural leader), Odungi Randa, presided over the rituals. The two Presidents, along with former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, received traditional symbols of leadership, including a ruler's seat, a crown, a cloth, a shield, and a whisk.
President Museveni expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the Luo people for fostering regional unity. “This honor symbolizes the unfairness of these borders and the unity of East Africans,” he said. He urged for stronger efforts towards the East African Federation to promote prosperity and security in the region.
Museveni also reflected on Africa's colonial history, emphasizing the need for integration to achieve prosperity. “Among the four historical missions of Africa, we achieved independence, but integration has been neglected. This has delayed East Africa’s development,” he said.
President Ruto lauded Museveni’s commitment to East African unity, describing him as a steadfast partner. “When I invited you, you assured me of your attendance to support an event that unites East Africans. That is friendship beyond the ordinary,” Ruto said.
The festival, held under the theme "Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage," attracted Luo communities from across Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. It featured cultural exhibitions, prayers, and traditional performances.
In his remarks, Raila Odinga called for dismantling colonial-era borders to enhance African trade and mobility. “Africa trades more with outsiders than within itself. We must open borders for free movement and prosperity,” he said.
Governor James Orengo of Siaya County urged Museveni and Ruto to lead the way in uniting Kenya and Uganda as a step toward East African Federation. “Let us begin with Kenya and Uganda allowing free movement. It would mark the start of the federation in our lifetime,” Orengo said.
The Presidents also inaugurated the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium and Lamogi Campus of Nyang’oma Technical Training College in Siaya. The newly built stadium, a FIFA-standard facility with a 20,000-seat capacity, hosted a friendly match between Gor Mahia FC and Uganda’s Kitara FC, with Gor Mahia winning 9-8 on penalties.
President Museveni praised the festival’s role in fostering unity. “Cultural events like this celebrate our identity and promote peace and reconciliation,” he said, urging East Africans to focus on creating wealth through agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing.
The Piny Luo Festival emphasized the importance of cultural heritage in fostering unity, peace, and regional development among the diverse Luo communities across East Africa.
