Luo Elders want to Shake Hands with Obama

Led by Chairman of the Luo Council of elders Mzee Willis Opiyo Otondi and Bishop Dr Washington Ogonyo Ngede of Power of Jesus Around the World Ministries, the leaders said that as dictated by the Luo traditions, they seek to offer blessings to President Obama.

They said that Luo customs dictate that a person of Obama’s stature needs to be recognised through exercising significant honour through shaking of hands and offering prayers.

Bishop Ngede said it would be shameful if President Obama visited Kenya including his native village of Kogelo without engaging the local leadership who rallied behind him by offering prayers during his successive presidential elections.

The elders who are now contemplating submitting their proposal to the US embassy were speaking after holding a two hours meeting with US President’s grandmother Mama Sarah Obama at her Kogelo village home to discuss possibilities a meeting between them and the US President.

Chairman of Kogelo community Mzee Vitalis Awandu Ondewe echoed the need for their involvement saying it would be absurd if President Obama landed at Kogelo and only manage to see his grandmother alone as elders watch from the periphery.

Others leaders who also attended the meeting include Lando Rarondo, Orwenjo Umidha, Oluoch Lwanda, Peter Oyoo, Paul Onjula, Ouma Ogaja, and Timothy Oduor Ogola.