By Billy Mijungu
There is no doubt that the Luos are almost certainly divided down the middle and need to be persuaded to sing a single tune under one leader, either permanently or in transition.
The Luo elite constituency appears divided into two major camps around James Orengo and Oburu Odinga, while Babu Owino retains a strong connection with the younger generation. There is also no doubt that Babu’s constituency among the Luos will continue to grow depending on how well he nurtures and fathers it.
The Luos are desperate for unity, and that need has become even more pronounced following the demise of Raila Odinga. The community had become accustomed to taking political direction from one centre. Today, what appears to be three centres of influence is creating confusion within a community that has historically seen itself as the conscience of the nation.
That role matters. Whoever thinks it is a bad thing does not understand Luo culture.
The Luo psyche revolves around avoiding embarrassment, “Wich kuot,” at almost all costs. That is also what inspires rebellion. When a Luo believes that something looks bad, “nenore marach,” the reaction can be strong and uncompromising.
This is why some Luos are asking themselves when the community of pride, the community of “Nyadhi,” started normalising support for what they consider bad vices.
A substantial number will rebel if they conclude that the direction being taken does not represent their conscience. They will tell you: better half a loaf than a full one obtained wrongly; better no loaf than a stolen one; and certainly better water than feasting on someone else’s blood.
That is the Luo conscience.
That is the pride of a community that, at its best, values decency and principle.
So, Who Leads Them and How?
Babu Owino and James Orengo must both read from the same script.
Orengo has chosen to play national politics, while Babu has chosen to remain firmly positioned at the national level through Nairobi County. These two should move together like twins, each strengthening the other and, where necessary, one inheriting the political space of the other.
For Oburu Odinga, the situation is different. He appears to have given up much of his own political positioning and accepted a role in which he can be led while helping to lead the Luos.
That faction has persuaded many through a display of political might.
But might is not necessarily right.
The Luo community is demanding either a central political outfit, which may now be almost impossible, or an alternative arrangement that fits together with Babu and Orengo.
That may ultimately be the compromise that gives the community a sense of direction.
The reality is that Luos are likely to remain both Wantam and Tutam as time goes by, with the proportion on either side continuing to work itself out.
But one thing is increasingly certain: the Luo community needs unity more than another political battle for supremacy.
