In a resounding call for restraint and accountability, the Luhya Council of Elders has issued a stern condemnation of the escalating early political campaigns in Migori County, urging leaders to redirect their efforts toward urgent service delivery and community development.
The elders’ statement comes at a critical juncture, as recent clashes between rival political factions have heightened tensions, threatening the fragile peace in this multi-ethnic region just two years after the 2022 general elections.
Speaking at the vibrant Mukuyu Comprehensive School grounds during this year’s annual Luhya Cultural Extravaganza—a celebration that drew hundreds of attendees from the Maragoli Luhya diaspora and other communities—the council, led by prominent figures including Chairperson Moses Ronga, highlighted the disruptive impact of premature politicking on the county’s progress.
The event, which honors the rich migratory history and cultural contributions of the Luhya community in Migori, served as a poignant backdrop for the elders’ message of unity and discipline.The elders expressed profound alarm over the surge in political maneuvering, noting that various factions are already mobilizing to challenge incumbent Governor Ochilo Ayacko’s bid for a second term in the 2027 elections.
This comes amid reports of violent confrontations, including a chaotic clash on March 16, 2025, between supporters of the governor and a local legislator at Migori Stadium, which resulted in property damage and prompted police investigations.
Governor Ayacko himself has publicly decried these “noisy” early campaigns, vowing not to tolerate violence while emphasizing his commitment to ongoing development projects.
“These early campaigns are not just distractions—they are a direct assault on the unity and prosperity of Migori,” stated Elder Ronga during the address.
“Barely two years into the current term, we see leaders wasting public resources on rallies and rhetoric instead of addressing the real crises facing our people. Healthcare facilities are understaffed, schools lack adequate resources, roads remain impassable, and our youth grapple with unemployment in a county blessed with fertile lands and Lake Victoria’s potential.
“The council pointed to a pattern of historical disruptions caused by premature electioneering, which has repeatedly stalled key initiatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.
In Migori—a cosmopolitan hub home to Luo, Kuria, Suba, Luhya, Kisii, Somali, and other communities—these activities risk exacerbating ethnic divisions and undermining the collaborative spirit fostered by events like the upcoming Piny Luo Cultural Festival and the broader Migori Cultural Extravaganza, scheduled for December 14-16 under the theme “Honouring Heritage, Uniting Generations.”
In their joint statement, the elders elaborated: “We are deeply troubled by the heightened political activity taking shape across Migori County, from Suna East and West to Rongo and beyond. This county needs development—not endless campaigns. Early political contests risk polarizing our communities, distracting elected leaders from their core responsibilities, and hampering the progress that residents desperately need. Governor Ayacko and his assembly must consolidate gains in agriculture, water management, and social services, as outlined in the recent State of the County Address, rather than succumbing to power struggles.”
Drawing on the Luhya Cultural Extravaganza’s ethos of unity, discipline, and moral responsibility—values that have sustained the Maragoli community’s growth in Migori since their migration in the early 20th century—the elders called on all politicians, regardless of affiliation, to honor their mandates.
They specifically urged an end to the misuse of public funds for “political theatrics,” at a time when residents continue to battle unemployment, poverty, stalled projects like the Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme (KCEP-CRAL) BOOST initiative, and inadequate access to essential services.
“As custodians of cultural values, we call on leaders to uphold integrity and responsibility,” Noted the South Kanyamkago MCA Graham Kagali.
“Let us put people first. The future of Migori County depends on leaders who prioritize development over personal ambition. We stand in solidarity with calls from religious leaders and peace forums to rally behind inclusive governance that supports national initiatives, Mr Kagali emphasised”
The council also appealed directly to residents, encouraging them to demand accountability and resist divisive early alignments. “Our people must not be pawns in these games,” Elder Ronga added. “Hold your leaders to the fire of service, and let us build a Migori where every child has access to quality education, every farmer to markets, and every family to healthcare—without the shadow of electoral chaos.”
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