Luhya, Luo elders in Kakamega for talks ahead of '27

The Luhya and Luo elders are set to meet today, Saturday, December 20 with the Luhya Elders’ Forum counterparts hosting the event at Sheywe Guest House in Kakamega town.

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Forum executive member Eng Julius Nyarotso confirmed the meeting but remained guarded on details of the agenda.

“Yes, there will be a meeting. Our Luo brothers will be our visitors,” Nyarotso said.

He added that the day’s agenda will be floated on the floor during the meeting.

A source familiar with the planning told the Star that the discussions will focus on social, economic, and political issues affecting the two communities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“You know the two communities have worked together for decades, and there are many issues affecting us across the two regions. It is therefore important that we come up with a common approach,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

The meeting comes barely a week after the forum convened an urgent meeting to discuss the development of the Western region.

That meeting was attended by ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.

Discussions centred on issues affecting the community’s economic and political interests.

During the deliberations, the elders highlighted three key areas of concern: the sugar industry, mining activities in the gold belt, and the proposed nuclear power project in Siaya County.

On the sugar sector, the elders expressed concern over the management of Mumias and Nzoia sugar factories, citing the need for transparency in leasing and sale processes.

They also noted that sugar importation could be affecting the sector and expressed willingness to collaborate with leaders from the neighbouring Nyanza region.

Regarding the proposed nuclear project in Siaya, the elders emphasised the need to engage local leadership and communities on potential environmental and safety implications, including concerns over groundwater and ecosystems.

The forum also addressed developments in Western Kenya’s gold belt, advocating for inclusive consultations with communities before mineral extraction projects proceed.

They suggested that coordination across counties along the gold belt could help ensure local interests are safeguarded.

The elders further discussed political cohesion, stressing the importance of maintaining unity within the Luhya community.

They proposed forming a working group of elders, professionals, business leaders, and political representatives to facilitate structured dialogue and collective decision-making.

Resolutions from the Kakamega meeting underscore the elders’ intention to work with other communities across Western Kenya to ensure fair representation in key projects.

They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for the economic and social interests of the Luhya nation while pursuing partnerships with other affected communities.