Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has stepped in and ended the wrangling at the leadership of Luo Council of Elders that at one point sent Ker Willis Otondi packing.
Raila said it was not a good picture that the elders were wrangling over leadership at the group, saying it was stifling unity of the community, thus the need to bring it to an end.
“I have stepped in because I want this community to stand on one ground. I want to see elders working together for the benefit of our community,” he said.
Otondi was recently replaced by Calvin Ariko, after he was accused of highhandedness and mismanaging resources of the council.
Ariko welcomed the reconciliation and promised to work with Otondi, to ensure the Luo community remains united and forge a head in terms of development.
He appealed to his members who were elected into office to support Otondi as the chairman of the council.
“I have dropped my ambition and I will support Otondi for the sake of peace and for respect to our patron Raila Odinga,” he said.
Otondi on his part thanked Odinga for coming to the aid of the council, which was on the verge of collapse.
He said he will heed the call of the elders to remain focused, and steer the council to greater heights devoid of corruption.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Raila Odinga for saving the council through reconciliation. I will remain focused and work diligently to the Luo community,” he said.