I'M STILL KER

Embattled Luo cultural leader Meshack Riaga Ogalo has scoffed at his alleged ouster as Ker and vowed to fight “to the bitter end.”

He blamed his predicament on political interference.

Mr Ogalo was allegedly removed from office by members of a splinter group that installed his former vice-chairman, Mr Willis Edwin Opiyo Otondi, as the new Ker during a weekend meeting, in defiance of a court order.

Two elders — Isaya Ongadi and Silas Abong’ — had obtained a court injunction, barring Prof Gilbert Ogutu and three others or their agents from convening, participating in, and proceeding with a delegates meeting that had been scheduled for June 4, at Ofafa Memorial Hill in Kisumu.

Appealed for calm

However, a meeting was said to have been held at a different venue in Kisumu on the same day and brought on board Mr Otondi as the new Ker.

On Sunday evening, Ker Ogalo declared during a Yes campaign rally in Ndhiwa that he was still the bona fide Luo cultural leader.

Assistant minister Orwa Ojode has appealed for calm among the elders.

“The elders should steer clear of issues like coups since it will portray the council negatively,” he said.