Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko has referred to the teachings of the Bible to counsel those he said were against him being crowned as Luo-Suba Council of Elders.
Ayacko who was speaking after him being crowned as a member of Luo-Suba revealed that there is a section of people who have refused to accept him as worthy of leading the Suba Community.
Governor Ayacko was on Saturday, February 17, 2024 crowned by Luo Suba Council of elders, lead by Japhet Riogi, Migori Chairman of Suba Council of Elders.
In his appreciation speech, he said that as one said that as an elder, it is wise to refer those against him to the verses.
Being a Saturday, a day reserved for worship by other believers, he said that those opposing his coronation would better understand what the teachings say.
I understand that there are those who are against what the elders are doing here, that is to welcome me into the council. I will make them understand a few things about the scripture. Ochilo Ayacko, Governor Migori County
The governor has said that it is only a man who lacks wisdom that will be against a decision made by a council of elders.
He added that being a member of the council, it is expected of him to act wise and the Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom, adding that it will guide him in discharging his responsibilities.
By comparison to Israelites during their departure from Egypt and the teachings to remind them how they were once treated, the governor quoted Exodus 22:21 which reads, “Do not mistreat or oppress strangers for you were once a stranger in Egypt.”
In the context, Ayacko who referred to himself as a stranger being welcomed by the original occupants of the land, Suna, and given a mantle to lead them.
Photo|Peter Ologi; KTMN
Going by the scriptures, the governor urged the electorates, County and National leaders to embrace unity and provide an accommodative environment for all.
Ayacko who seemed to be enjoying every bit of the teachings also read Leviticus 19:33-34 where he warned the residents not to mistreat foreigners but instead, love them.
“When a foreigner resides in your land, do not mistreat them. Love them as you live yourselves,” reads the scripture.
In his advice to the leaders and members of the public in general, he summarized with Matthew’s teaching in chapters 25:32-40, ” I was hungry and you Gabe me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, and I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
He referred to the opposers as those who have ears and have refused to listen or learn, telling them to at least not oppose the Holy teachings if they are true believers.
“All these that we have done here are fulfillment if the testament and the council of elders have been used as the vessels,” he said.
He revealed that prior to his coronation, other leaders from Suna, as he referred had been given a chance to unite and endorse one of them but their greed for power led to their fallout.
Opposing camps
Words have it that a section of leaders from the region have greatly opposed the coronation ceremony to the point of refusing to attend.
The argument is that Governor Ayacko comes all the way from Sakwa, Awendo, which traces it’s origin in Alego, Siaya County.
With his origin, the opposers say that he does not fit to be crowned as Luo-Suba Council of Elders, a position that is greatly adored by the community.
Photo|Peter Ologi: KTMN
Ayacko also appealed to the leaders to unite and help him stand strong to unite the residents of Migori, and lead them to one direction in terms of development.
He promised to remain hospitable to all and accommodative of all leadership ideas from the leaders because he will be now a symbol of unity.
The kindness you have shown me today is enough to tell me that you really love me. In return, I promise to accommodate everyone and be a leader that servers everyone and everyone can access, Ochillo Ayacko, Migori County Governor.
Second coronation
Governor Ayackos coronation by Luo- Suba Council of elders seconds his prior endorsement by the same council of elders to vie for the position of the Governor in 2022 August general polls.
During the reign of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, he was also coronated as a member of Council of Elders.
He was accompanied by the former Suna West Member of Parliament, Joseph Obiero , Deputy Governor Joseph Gimunta among other Migori County leaders.
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