The Luo Council of Elders, under the patronage of Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, has officially announced the return of the renowned Piny Luo Cultural Festival, set to take place from December 30, 2024, to January 1, 2025, at the historic Migwena Grounds in Siaya County.
Speaking at a press conference held at Ofafa Hall in Kisumu, the elders shared that this year’s festival, themed “Celebrating our roots, culture, and heritage – Dhialo Nonro Mar Luo Kitwa Gi Timbewa,” aims to bring together the Luo people from around the world for a grand celebration of their culture and history.
The annual Piny Luo Festival serves as a unique cultural gathering to celebrate Luo identity, foster connections across generations, and highlight the community’s rich traditions and values. Activities will include traditional music, dance, art, and storytelling, all dedicated to honoring the beauty of the Luo way of life.
“This festival embodies the pride, resilience, and vibrancy of the Luo people,” stated Jotham Ajiki, representing the elders, “and through music, dance, art, and storytelling, we will honor our heritage and recognize the beauty of our way of life.”
This year’s festival will be attended by all four governors of Luo Nyanza—representing Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Siaya—a testament to the unity and leadership the council seeks to promote across the region. Raila Odinga, the patron of the Luo Council of Elders and a long-standing cultural and political advocate for the Luo community, will preside over the occasion, underscoring its significance and reinforcing the community’s shared vision for unity and cultural pride.
We invite all members of the Luo community and friends from across Kenya and beyond to join us in Migwena for this momentous occasion. Let us come together to rekindle our pride in our culture and pass down the spirit of Luo resilience to future generations,” the elders stated.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the festival, now in its fourth year, will honor the heritage of the Luo people as well as their contributions in sports, politics, and the arts.
A highlight of the closing day will be the grand opening of the Siaya Stadium, featuring a football match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Tanzania’s Yanga, and a friendly match between the National Assembly team, led by Hon. Otiende Amollo, and a combined Siaya team.
The Piny Luo Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Luo culture, unity, and heritage, setting the stage for an impactful start to the New Year for the community.
