The Luo Cultural Day meant to unite the community kicks off this Friday at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds in Kisumu.
The event that seeks to strengthen the community’s traditions and culture is bringing together the counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori.
The host, Governor Jack Ranguma, said the event will run for three days opposition leader Raila Odinga is expected to grace the occasion on Saturday.
Ranguma said the event is the brainchild of Raila as a way of conserving the heritage of the Luo community.
“Raila thought it wise to come up with this idea and as Governors in this community, we bought the idea and the day is now here with us,” said Ranguma.
In November this year, during the installation of Nyakach elder Mzee Omollo Manyala, Raila said the community should arrange to come together in an annual event.
He said that the community culture was slowly eroding and called upon the elders and governors to urgently intervene by organising a day that is dedicated to educate the community on their culture.
Raila said the tradition of the Luo community must be preserved to allow the future generation to learn their culture and roots.
Governor Ranguma said Kisumu is the heartbeat of the Luo community and urged locals to turn up and learn about their culture.
“I appeal to our people to come over and learn to make this day a success. It has been organised for the people of Luo community. Please turn up,” he asked.
Other Governors expected to attend the cultural event includes, Cornel Rasanga of Siaya, Cyprian Awiti of Homa Bay and Okoth Obado of Migori.