By Marton Ogindo
The Luo community stands at a pivotal juncture in late 2025, following the profound loss of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, which has prompted a strategic reorganisation within the community.
The co-option of nine eminent figures into the Luo Council of Elders represents a deliberate effort to infuse professional expertise into a traditionally cultural institution, with the aim of addressing socio-economic challenges, promoting unity, and shielding the community from political interference.
However, while the Luo Council of Elders—led by Ker Nyandiko Ongadi and Odungi Randa—has excelled in preserving culture, traditions, cohesion, and harmony, the community’s pressing needs such as economic empowerment, infrastructure development, access to education, agricultural innovation, and international partnerships demand a more specialised entity.
The formation of the Luo Council for Social-Economic Development (LCSED) would channel the collective prowess of these co-opted leaders into targeted initiatives, transforming past efforts on economic mainstreaming into a permanent, action-oriented body.
LCSED is essential because the Luo region, despite its rich human capital, current national political goodwill, and strategic location at the confluence of East African nations, continues to grapple with persistent challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and underutilised resources.
A dedicated council would prioritise commerce, entrepreneurship, ICT, artisanship, sports, and asset leveraging—such as properties like Ofafa Memorial Hall—moving beyond seminars to implement practical steps that promote financial security and dignity.
By constituting these nine individuals as LCSED members, the community would harness their diverse, high-calibre expertise to drive measurable progress, ensuring that the Luo people thrive in a post-Raila era without over-reliance on politics. This professionalised structure would attract investment, foster self-reliance, and position the community as a model for ethnic-based development in Kenya.
What makes these individuals uniquely suited to this role is the breadth of their backgrounds, which span academia, diplomacy, engineering, business, politics, law, and activism—offering a multifaceted toolkit for socio-economic advancement. Below is an outline of their distinctive attributes and how they align with LCSED’s potential mandate.
Prof. George Outa is a multidisciplinary scholar and policy expert with unparalleled insights into environmental sustainability, governance, and climate adaptation—critical for addressing Luo Nyanza’s vulnerability to flooding and resource mismanagement. His accolades, including the St Andrews Prize for the Environment (2001) and the Governance in East Africa Research Award, underscore his ability to craft evidence-based strategies for economic resilience. As Chairman of the Nyanza Professionals and Business Caucus, he is well placed to mobilise networks that bridge academia and enterprise, making him ideal for leading LCSED’s policy and innovation pillars.
Ambassador Lazarus Amayo, a seasoned career diplomat, has served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador to the United States, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization. His experience in Zambia, Malawi, and as Special Envoy on African Union reforms demonstrates exceptional skill in trade negotiations and diaspora engagement, earning him the Diaspora Lifetime Achievement Award. Within LCSED, his diplomatic acumen could secure foreign investment, open export markets for Luo agricultural products, and enhance diaspora remittances.
Eng. Phillip Okundi, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and a Master’s degree in Telecommunication Systems, combines technical expertise with public leadership. A former Managing Director of Kenya Posts and Telecommunications and Chairman of Worldspace International, he has also served as a Commissioner at the National Cohesion and Integration Commission and as MP for Rangwe. His advocacy for cohesion, peace, and institutional trust positions him well to spearhead LCSED’s infrastructure and digital economy agenda.
Prof. Edward Oyugi Akong’o is a veteran scholar and human rights crusader whose detention during the Moi regime for advocating multi-party democracy reflects his unwavering commitment to justice and governance reform. As a former commissioner at the Commission on Revenue Allocation, he brings valuable experience in fiscal policy and equitable resource distribution. His expertise makes him ideal for leading LCSED’s social equity initiatives aimed at empowering marginalised groups.
Hon. John Pesa, a former MP for Migori, has a strong record in development, having spearheaded initiatives such as the Nyatike–Oyani water project and supported education through the Constituency Development Fund. Holding a diploma in education from the University of Nairobi, he blends political experience with business acumen, making him well suited to drive LCSED’s grassroots programmes in health, water, and skills development.
Hon. Sam Wakiaga, an astute businessman, has built wealth through ventures in media, intelligence, and other enterprises in Homa Bay. His political ambitions, including gubernatorial bids, reflect a broader vision for regional development. Within LCSED, his financial expertise could catalyse investment in SMEs, tourism, and real estate, turning community assets into engines of wealth creation.
Eng. Erick Opon Nyamunga, a respected engineer and former MP for Nyando, utilised his role on the National CDF Committee to support education, infrastructure, and scholarships. As a community elder with strong grassroots connections, he would excel in LCSED’s engineering and community mobilisation efforts, particularly in flood control, road development, and youth employment through agro-processing.
Retired Justice Onyango Otieno, with 48 years of service in the judiciary culminating in his tenure as a Court of Appeal judge, brings unparalleled legal expertise. Author of From Village to Village: A Journey Through the Corridors of Justice, he offers critical insights into dispute resolution and policy enforcement. His role in LCSED would be to safeguard initiatives through ethical governance, transparent contracts, and sound land reforms.
Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi, Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University since 2016 and a Professor of Horticulture with a PhD in Ecology, is a leading plant scientist with 39 published research works on agronomy and varietal evaluation. Author of Conventional and Contemporary Practices of Plant Breeding, he is well positioned to revolutionise Luo agriculture through innovation, sustainability, and export-oriented farming.
Forming LCSED with these leaders would not only honour their co-option but also amplify their impact, creating a lasting legacy of prosperity for the Luo people. This is not merely an organisational adjustment—it is a strategic imperative for sustainable development in a changing Kenya.
The author is a former Rangwe MP.
