Luo Council of Elders chairman Willis Otondi dies
By K24 Editorial, February 17, 2023Luo Council of Elders chairperson Willis Otondo has passed on aged 98.
The death of the longest-serving chair of the Luo Council of Elders was announced on Friday, February 17, 2023.
He has been in and out of hospital for a while and was recently hospitalised at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga eulogised Otondi as a distinguished member of the society, terming his death a great loss for the Luo community.
“Ker Willis Otondi’s passing has left us with a heavy heart; it is a great loss for the wider Luo nation. Kenya has lost a distinguished member of society. Sad for the Luo nation to lose him at this moment,” Raila said in a statement on Friday morning.
“My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire community.”
Ker Willis Otondi’s passing has left us with a heavy heart; it is a great loss for the wider Luo nation. Kenya has lost a distinguished member of society. Sad for the Luo nation to lose him at this moment.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 17, 2023
My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire community. pic.twitter.com/qMIUNcdnby
Otondi’s grandson and media personality Willis Raburu said Otondi died less than 24 hours after they spoke.
“This one hits different and hurts! My grandfather, he who I am named after, Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi! How can it be though that just yesterday we were talking and today…..I remember how you used to joke and tell me ‘Don’t play around with my name’ always the well-spoken, always speaking your mind,” the TV personality mourned.
“Always strict, yet gentle. An infectious laugh and smile. Hi stood your ground. You cared for us all and wanted to be involved in our lives. As the Chair of the Luo Council of Elders you also made your mark. I live to honor your legacy and memory by carrying forth your name! I am blessed and honored to continue with the name Willis Edwin Opiyo Otondi. Rest in Power ‘Ndungu’ I will miss you!”
Otondi has been at the helm of the Luo Council since the demise of Riaga Ogallo.
As chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, the deceased was charged with various responsibilities including preserving the community’s culture and welfare by offering wise counsel on health and socio-economic matters among others.
During his tenure, Otondi faced opposition from Nyandiko Ongadi, who wanted to take control of the council.
At the height of the power struggle in 2018, Raila brokered a truce between the two leaders during a meeting at his Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya county, where the elders resolved to bury their differences and work together
“In the recent past, there have been some wrangles within the council… There have been factions tending to tear apart the council but today this meeting has brought the leadership together,” Raila said.
“The council of elders is a very important institution that deals with issues of culture that help the society remain together. As we move forward, the Luo council will be very active in cultural issues and they will also engage in consultations with elders of other communities across the country.”