Photos: Babu Owino crowned as a Luo elder

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has been crowned as a Luo elder and installed as the leader of the Nairobi Chapter of the Luo Council of Elders. 

The traditional ceremony which took place in Nairobi, reportedly brought together members of the Luo Council of Elders, as well as representative leaders from all 85 wards in Nairobi County.

During the event, Owino said the endorsement gives him the mandate to reach out, build friendships, and seek support from all communities in Nairobi as he pursues his ambition to run for the Nairobi governorship in the 2027 General Election.

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"The elders have set me free to develop friendship and seek the support of all the other communities in this city ahead of the gubernatorial race," the fiery legislature said.

Following his installation, Babu promised to use his position to promote unity, national cohesion, social integration, and improved service delivery for residents across the county.

"I promise to do all it takes to make use of this cardinal trust to restore the central role of the Luo people in promoting harmony, national cohesion and integration of our city towards meaningful development and service delivery for the people of Nairobi," he said.

The crowning followed Luo cultural rites, with elders performing traditional rituals to mark Owino’s new role, adorning traditional regalia, Babu Owino received blessings and symbols of leadership from senior members of the council during the ceremony. 

The Luo Council of Elders began as a traditional system for the Nilotic Luo people to solve problems, lead their community, and keep their culture alive.

Around the 15th and 16th centuries, the Luo people, reportedly left their home in the Bahr al-Ghazal region of South Sudan, and followed the Nile valley south until they reached and settled around the Lake Victoria basin.

Before written records, elders passed down history, laws, and values by word of mouth. The highest traditional leader is called the Ker. 

His role was to serve as the main spiritual and cultural figure who unites the people. The Council of Elders settled local disputes, guided social and political life, and protected traditional beliefs and customs.

Today, the council’s role is honored in events like the Piny Luo Festival, where respected leaders and statesmen are crowned as Luo elders at historic sites such as Got Ramogi Hill.

Past holders and chairmen of the Luo Council of Elders include, Paul Mbuya Akoko,Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Joel Omer, William Ouko, Adala Otuko, Koyo Pien, Riaga Ogallo, Willis Opiyo Otondi, Odungi Randa. And now, Embakasi East MP, Paul Ong’ili, popularly known as Babu Owino.

Netizens chimed in, @Îtz Mè, jokingly asked, “So Babu is an Elder whereas Oburu is a Youth?”, @Frãñçål Flàçø, posted, “As long as we are Sifunated, we are also owinoted” and @Kibet Kelvin, cautioned, “A crown is good, but the real honour comes from serving the people”.