Kalenjin and Luo Elders in Uasin Gishu Vow to Uphold Raila Odinga’s Legacy of Peace and Unity
“Our late brother Raila Odinga preached peace and unity throughout his life. We will honour him by ensuring that the communities in Uasin Gishu live as one people,”
By Hubzmedia , Eldoret
Kalenjin and Luo elders from Uasin Gishu County have pledged to uphold the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s legacy of peace, unity, and reconciliation among Kenyan communities.
Speaking in Eldoret during their first joint press briefing after visiting the late Odinga’s rural home at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya County, the elders emphasized the need to sustain inter-community harmony ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The delegation, led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and Governor Jonathan Bii, took 80 cows to condole with the Odinga family following the statesman’s passing — a symbolic gesture of unity and shared grief.
Luo elders in Uasin Gishu expressed gratitude to their Kalenjin counterparts for their solidarity and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
“We are deeply moved by the gesture of our Kalenjin brothers. The spirit of togetherness shown during this difficult moment must be carried forward as we build bridges among our people,”
Mzee Charles Ong’io, Luo Council of Elders Said.
Kalenjin elder Alex Mursi, who led the community’s delegation, reaffirmed their intention to promote harmony and support the government’s efforts to ensure peace and unity across the Country.
“Our late brother Raila Odinga preached peace and unity throughout his life. We will honour him by ensuring that the communities in Uasin Gishu live as one people,”Said Mzee Alex Mursi, Kalenjin elder.
The elders also addressed recent incidents of political violence in Kapseret Subcounty, where Ken Maswai was reportedly assaulted by individuals said to be linked to local political groups. The matter is currently under active investigation by police.
Confirming the probe, Kapseret Subcounty Police Commander Zephaniah Kamuren said, “We have received several statements and are following crucial leads to ensure that all those involved are held accountable. We urge residents to remain calm as investigations continue.”
On Tuesday, hundreds of youth in Kapseret took to the streets, blocking sections of the Eldoret–Kapsabet Road as they demanded justice for Maswai.
In response, the elders called for restraint and urged residents to allow law enforcement agencies to complete their investigations.
The council of elders announced plans to hold inter-community peace forums across Uasin Gishu County in the coming months to promote reconciliation and dialogue ahead of the next election cycle, While affirming their shared commitment to preserving Raila Odinga’s legacy as a statesman who dedicated his life to fostering national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader and former Prime Minister, passed away last month, marking the end of an era in the country’s political landscape. Odinga, who served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government, was widely celebrated for his role in advancing democracy, devolution, and reconciliation after the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
Throughout his political career, Odinga championed inclusive governance and consistently advocated for peace and national unity, even in the face of political rivalry. His passing has drawn tributes from across Kenya and beyond, with leaders, civil society, and citizens remembering him as a symbol of resilience, reform, and patriotism.
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