The Luo Council of Elders has broken its silence over the violence that rocked Kisumu on Sunday.
The elders urged political leaders and residents to reject bloodshed, embrace dialogue and protect the city's reputation as a peaceful, multicultural hub.
They spoke during the unveiling of the council's new secretary general, Charles Omamo Ojweke.
Chief elder James Ayaga appealed to politicians and residents to shun violence and embrace peaceful coexistence, saying the Luo community has always valued the sanctity of human life.
"We fear bloodshed more than anything else. We have always believed that peace and the preservation of life should come before anything else," he said.
Ayaga urged residents to resolve political differences through dialogue rather than violence.
Ojweke, who succeeds the late Paul Owino Ombuor, welcomed his election and pledged to serve the global Luo nation with dedication.
He said the office of the secretary general is apolitical and requires tolerance, transparency, accountability and constant consultation with elders to ensure the Luo community moves forward in unity.
"I will work closely with the council and elders across the globe to ensure we strengthen unity and uphold the values that have guided our community for generations," Ojweke said.
He said Kisumu is home to people from different communities and its continued growth depends on peaceful coexistence.
"Kisumu is not for one community alone. It is a city made up of people from different backgrounds who have lived together peacefully for many years. We must continue protecting that unity."
The chief elder challenged politicians to demonstrate wisdom in leadership.
"Leadership is not about how educated you are. It is about the wisdom God gives you to guide people and make decisions that promote unity and development," he said.
Ayaga expressed concern over the involvement of young people in violent acts, saying reports that even educated youth were participating in unrest were worrying.
He called for greater investment in programmes that provide young people with employment, mentorship and meaningful engagement instead of exposing them to violence.
"There are better ways of engaging our youth than encouraging them to participate in violence. They should be empowered to become agents of development," Ayaga said.
He urged residents to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands, and politicians to exercise restraint in their public statements and actions.
"People will not always agree with you or your opinions. That is part of democracy. We must learn to tolerate differing views without resorting to violence," Ayaga said.
