The Luo Council of Elders, led by its chairman, Mzee Ker Odungi Randa, has officially cleansed and blessed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja as he seeks a second term in office in the August 2027 General Election.
During a traditional cleansing and blessing ceremony held at Randa’s rural home in Boya, Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, the elders appealed to the Luo community in Nairobi to rally behind Sakaja and support his re-election bid.
Ker urged Luos living in Nairobi to register as voters in large numbers and use their votes to secure Sakaja another term, describing him as a leader who had enjoyed a close relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The elders also gave Sakaja the Luo name Ochieng, which loosely translates to a boy born when the sun is shining, in accordance with Luo cultural traditions.
Randa called on the community to reciprocate the love and political goodwill they had shown Raila by supporting Sakaja in the forthcoming elections.
“I am grateful to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. Endorsements are done in Nairobi. To our people in Nairobi, if you truly love Sakaja, register as voters and elect him in 2027. Sakaja was loved by our former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga,” said Randa.
Although Randa stopped short of making an explicit declaration of endorsement, his appeal for the Luo community to rally behind Sakaja was unmistakable.
He further called for unity and peaceful political engagement as the country prepares for the 2027 elections, warning young people against being drawn into political violence.
“I am pleading for peace in Kisumu and Nairobi, especially among our youths. They must behave responsibly. Luos must remain united because we are heading into an electioneering period. Let us stay together,” he said.
Randa’s position received overwhelming backing from members of the council, with the elders rising in support of Sakaja and pledging to mobilise the community behind his re-election bid.
Sakaja, who paid Ker a courtesy visit on Tuesday, expressed gratitude to the elders for their blessings, promising to continue visiting the chairman’s home for spiritual and traditional guidance.
The governor declared his commitment to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying he had joined the party to stay and was confident of securing victory in the 2027 elections with the support of its members.
He also reflected on his close political relationship with the late Raila, whom he described as a mentor who treated him like his own son.
“We received an invitation from the elders, and today we decided to honour it. We need peace and must work together. I have never insulted anyone because I believe in clean politics,” Sakaja said.
Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang’, who accompanied the governor, praised Sakaja’s leadership qualities, describing him as a sharp politician with a clear political direction.
Kajwang’ also took aim at Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, accusing him of losing political focus despite having started his political journey on a promising note.
He criticised Babu’s reported threats to campaign for the removal of ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, alongside Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, arguing that targeting elected leaders should not form the basis of a political agenda.
The Ruaraka legislator maintained that political leaders should concentrate on strengthening the party rather than pursuing internal political battles.
During the ceremony, Sakaja presented Randa with several heads of cattle and other non-food items as a gesture of appreciation.
The visit comes against the backdrop of Sakaja’s political realignment following his departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and his entry into ODM as he positions himself for a second term at City Hall.
