As the race towards Kenya’s 2027 General Election gathers momentum, a familiar yet increasingly influential political tradition is making a dramatic comeback across Luo Nyanza.
Politicians are no longer relying solely on mammoth rallies, campaign war chests or party endorsements.
Instead, they are making calculated pilgrimages to the homes of respected elders, or at times organising calculated functions seeking blessings that they hope will translate into political legitimacy and electoral success.
From Kisumu to Homa Bay, Siaya to Migori, aspirants are increasingly turning to councils of elders and revered cultural figures, recognising that in a region where tradition still commands enormous respect, an elder’s public endorsement can shape perceptions, influence communities and even redefine political narratives.
The trend has become so pronounced that some observers now describe elders as the newest “political kingmakers” in Luo Nyanza.
Politics Meets Tradition
Traditionally, Luo elders served as custodians of culture, mediators during disputes, guardians of communal values and advisers on matters affecting society. Their authority stemmed from wisdom, integrity and years of service to the community rather than political affiliation.
Today, however, their role has expanded into the political arena.
Hardly a week passes without photographs emerging on social media showing politicians seated respectfully before elderly community leaders, receiving symbolic blessings, traditional sticks, or declarations of support.
For many aspirants, such images are intended to project humility, cultural authenticity and acceptance by the community.
Political analysts argue that while Kenya’s Constitution guarantees democratic elections based on universal suffrage, politics remains deeply influenced by cultural identity and local opinion leaders.
“In many rural communities, elders remain trusted opinion shapers. Their endorsement may not automatically translate into votes, but it gives a candidate social legitimacy,” says political analyst Martin Ochieng’.
A Crowded Pilgrimage to Migori’s Suba Elder
Perhaps nowhere is this trend more visible than in Migori County.
Veteran Suba elder Riogi Riogi has unexpectedly found himself at the centre of the county’s political succession debate, becoming one of the most sought-after figures by aspiring leaders.
Over the past several months, his homestead and political functions have become frequent destinations for politicians seeking blessings ahead of the 2027 elections.
Those who have so far been crowned include Suna West MP Peter Masara, who has declared interest in the gubernatorial seat.
Incumbent Governor Ochillo Ayacko has also sought the elder’s goodwill as he prepares to defend his seat amid mounting political competition.
Former Migori Woman Representative Dr Pamela Odhiambo, who is positioning herself as a formidable challenger and the only prominent woman in the gubernatorial race, has equally received the elder’s endorsement during separate engagements.
Beyond the governor’s race, the phenomenon has extended to parliamentary contests.
Macalder/Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo, who has declared interest in the Nyatike parliamentary seat, has similarly sought the elders blessings.
Dr Robley Ngoje, another aspirant eyeing the same parliamentary position, has also been publicly associated with respected elders for a nod.
Curiously, Riogi has appeared alongside multiple aspirants pursuing the very same elective seats, offering words of encouragement and public blessings to each of them.
This has sparked widespread debate across Migori County.
Can one elder genuinely endorse several competing candidates simultaneously?
Or are such endorsements merely ceremonial cultural gestures that politicians later market as exclusive political support?
The Politics of Symbolism
Political communication experts argue that symbolism has become a powerful campaign tool.
In an era dominated by social media, a single photograph showing a politician kneeling before respected elders can generate thousands of online impressions, creating the perception that the candidate enjoys deep grassroots acceptance.
Campaign strategists increasingly understand that perception often travels faster than policy.
A blessing from an elder may therefore become less about electoral mathematics and more about influencing public psychology.
The result has been a growing competition among aspirants to secure endorsements from influential traditional leaders before launching major political activities.
Regional Trend
Migori is not alone.
Across Luo Nyanza, senior politicians have increasingly embraced consultations with respected elders.
Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has, on several occasions, engaged cultural leaders during political and development discussions.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has similarly maintained close engagements with elders within the region, recognising their continued influence in community affairs.
Other aspiring governors, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly have quietly followed the same path, making courtesy visits that often culminate in highly publicised declarations of goodwill.
While these meetings are frequently presented as cultural engagements, their political undertones are unmistakable.
Divided Opinion
Not everyone is convinced that the endorsements carry significant electoral weight.
Critics argue that repeatedly endorsing multiple candidates for the same position risks diluting the credibility of traditional institutions.
“If every aspirant leaves claiming to have been endorsed, then the endorsement loses its meaning,” observes governance expert Dr Edwin Omollo.
Others maintain that elders should remain politically neutral to preserve their moral authority and continue serving as impartial custodians of community values.
Supporters of the practice, however, insist that elders have every right to engage leaders and encourage peaceful competition without necessarily dictating how citizens should vote.
They argue that receiving blessings should not be interpreted as an official electoral endorsement but rather as recognition that aspirants have shown respect to cultural institutions.
The Limits of Endorsements
History offers numerous examples where candidates publicly endorsed by influential personalities ultimately lost elections.
Political endorsements may generate headlines, but ballots are cast by individual voters whose decisions are increasingly influenced by economic realities, development records, integrity and party dynamics.
Kenya’s increasingly youthful electorate also presents a challenge to traditional influence.
Many young voters are less persuaded by cultural endorsements than by employment opportunities, education, healthcare, infrastructure and digital engagement.
Political observers therefore caution against overstating the influence of elders.
Their blessings may open doors, soften public perception and provide symbolic legitimacy, but they cannot substitute effective campaigns or guarantee victory at the ballot.
The Road to 2027
With nearly a year before Kenyans head to the polls, Luo Nyanza is witnessing a fascinating convergence of tradition and modern politics.
Candidates continue to traverse villages seeking blessings from respected elders while simultaneously investing heavily in digital campaigns, grassroots mobilisation and party negotiations.
Whether these endorsements ultimately influence voting patterns remains uncertain.
What is beyond dispute is that the political value of cultural symbolism has returned to the forefront of Luo Nyanza politics.
As campaigns intensify, one question will continue to echo across the region: Are elders merely offering blessings to all who seek them, or have they quietly reclaimed their place as the kingmakers of Luo Nyanza politics?
Only the verdict of the ballot in 2027 will provide the definitive answer.
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