Opinion : Luo Nation Must Rethink Political Strategy

By Midusa Shem Ooyi

Today marks exactly thirty years since the passing of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Nyakwar Raila, a founding father of the Republic of Kenya.

Oginga’s life had highs and lows, from being the second most powerful man in the country to being the opposition leader. From a freedom fighter to a detainee.

As we reflect on the life and times of Jaramogi, we as The Luo Nation must learn a few lessons.

While most people say that the closest The Luo Nation ever came to the presidency was in 2007, to me, it was in 1963 when Odinga was asked to take over from the colonialists.

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His would-be challenger, Kenyatta, was in Jail, and no general election was needed; but he failed us. His son made almost a similar mistake in 2007, refusing to bend to pick up the presidency.

Oginga/Kenyatta’s departure was on policy on land. He wanted white settlers’ lands returned to former owners. There were no White settlers in Luo Nyanza, but instead of considering the people he was representing in government, he resigned as VP, leading Luos to suffer in opposition.

In a similar scenario, as PM, his son stuck his neck out on the Mau issue, even saying that he was ready to go sell Mandazi in Kibera, effectively spoiling his chances of a massive win in 2013. Raila could have just thought of his people and the bigger picture, distanced himself from the Mau Forest issue and left it for the then Forestry Minister or better still wait to handle it when he becomes the president! We lost Kalenjin nation by 2013 and effectively the presidency.

Oginga’s constant fights with fellow Luo leaders who had contrary and sometimes better opinions to his was also his undoing.

The constant bickering between him and Tom Mboya cost the community a gallant son. Stories have been told of his disagreements with Omollo Agar and many other leaders. Those who disagreed with him perished.

Years later, the same thing is happening. Despite performing very well as Rarieda MP, Tuju was never in good books with Raila, simply because his political association was contrary to those of Raila. Today a similar thing is being witnessed between him and a humble civil servant, Raymond Omollo.

Have we lived up to the dreams and aspirations of Jaramogi?

 In the run-up to independence, Jaramogi formed Luo Thrift to unite the community. Through the shares collected from luos, land was acquired and Ofafa memorial hall was built as the headquarters of the union, and also as a symbol of unity of the Luo Nation. However, today, Ofafa Memorial Hall is the HQ of the division in Luo Nyanza.

While the Luo culture requires Ker not to be involved in politics (Oginga had to resign as Ker to venture into politics), today it’s all politically centred. It’s now the politicians who ‘bless’ Ker, instead of Ker blessing them.

Jaramogi was detained and put under house arrest so that our people could enjoy political and economic freedom, but as other Kenyans are enjoying the blood, sweat and tears of luos towards this, Oginga’s people are NOW experiencing modern ‘house arrests’ and detention in Luo Nyanza. Those who disagree with his son are not allowed to move, associate or speak freely in their land. Luos are not permitted to join political parties of their choice. Luo Nyanza has been a one-party ‘state’. No freedom of choice. While major communities are enjoying the freedom of association courtesy of Oginga, (Luhya, Kikuyu, Kamba and Kalenjin are found in varied political divides) our kins are abused, branded traitors and sometimes banished from their land. The land of Nyikwa Ramogi Ajwang’.

When he left us in 1994, Oginga must have been not only happy but also hopeful for the future ahead. He had raised a battalion of young warriors. Orengo, Raila, Nyong’o, Omino, and several others, would carry on with the struggle. Indeed, they tried, we got a new constitution, and our son became a Prime Minister. However, of late things have gone south.

Today, courageous and visionary young men are not allowed anywhere near leadership or near ‘the Luo King’.

It is only in Luo Nyanza where governors are way past retirement age. When you remove Orengo, Nyong’o, Raila, Oburu et al. from the picture (and nature will soon remove them), the future becomes very bleak for The Luo Nation.

I’m sure Mzee turned in his grave when a decorated freedom fighter James Orengo,  in the full glare of the public, shouted that he will never allow anyone professing contrary political beliefs to address any gathering he attends. I’m sure he shed a tear.

Now ask yourself, if with well-trained politicians like Raila, Nyong’o, etc it took us 13 years from Jaramogi’s demise to have a formidable stab at the presidency in 2007, how long will it take us after the exit of the current lot of Luo leaderswho are selfish and abhor young brave and visionary leaders? We must rethink our strategies.

In 1967, Jaramogi declared Kenya “NOT YET UHURU” despite the declaration of independence, today I declare Nyanza NOT YET FREE despite the struggle for and declaration of freedom symbolised by the new constitution 2010.

So as hypocrites and betrayers to Oginga’s vision and aspirations are gathered at Ofafa, let those who believe in freedom of speech, association and multiparty democracy stay strong for we will surely get there.