Siaya County gears up for annual Piny Luo Festival
ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre), Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko arrive at Homa Bay High School in Homa Bay town for the Piny Luo Festival on June 30, 2023.
What you need to know:
- Siaya County will host the festival at Migwena Cultural Centre in Bondo on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
- The two-day event will culminate in the grand opening of the new Siaya County Stadium on New Year’s Day.
In what promises to be an exhilarating celebration of Luo culture, Siaya County will host the 4th Annual Piny Luo Festival at Migwena Cultural Centre in Bondo on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025.
Under the theme "Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage" or "Dhialo Nonro Mar Luo Kitwa gi Timbewa" in Dholuo, the festival will bring together thousands from the Luo community to honour and celebrate their rich history and traditions.
The two-day event will culminate in the grand opening of the new Siaya County Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga is expected to attend the stadium’s inauguration, alongside local leaders, including all the four governors from Luo Nyanza - James Orengo (Siaya), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) and Migori’s Ochillo Ayacko.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili, who is heading the festival's organising committee, expressed confidence that the festival will be successful.
“The Piny Luo Festival is a time to reconnect with our roots and celebrate the essence of who we are as a people. We therefore invite everyone to come learn and experience the beauty of our culture,” Dr Owili said on Friday.
The festival will offer a rich program showcasing the Luo heritage through traditional artefacts, music, dance, sports and storytelling.
There will also be traditional prayers to kick off the festivities, paying tribute to the ancestors whose values and unity helped shape the Luo identity. Elders will share stories with the younger generation, recounting tales of their forefathers’ strength, morality and resilience.
Cultural exhibitions will allow attendees to witness the beauty of Luo craftsmanship and heritage, from hand-crafted artefacts to the captivating sounds of traditional Luo music.
The highlight of the festival will be sports events, including boat racing and wrestling, which will be held at Wich Lum.
Football fans will be treated to a friendly match between Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and Tanzanian giants Yanga in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash.
Meanwhile, Dr William Abuka, a prominent religious leader, has encouraged other religious leaders within the Luo community to attend the festival.
He believes their presence will reinforce values of unity and provide a positive example for the youth, strengthening the bonds of the community and reinforcing the shared sense of identity.
Excitement is already building for the festival that was last hosted in Homa Bay County on June 30 and July 1, 2023.
Dr Owili noted that this year’s event has been organised with particular care to ensure it captures the essence of Luo traditions and presents a respectful and inspiring reflection of the community’s past and future.
“This festival is about unity and pride. We have seen so much change over the years, but our values and culture remain strong. This festival is a reminder of our resilience and our identity,” Dr Owili said.
As Luo elders prepare for the celebration, expectations are high for an unforgettable celebration that will not only honour the Luo community but also inspire future generations to carry forward the traditions of their forefathers.
