The event, held at the Got Ramogi Hill shrines, also honored former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga with the same title.
The cultural leader, Ker Odungi Randa, conducted the crowning ceremony, presenting the leaders with traditional symbols of leadership, including a ruler's seat, crown, elder's cloth, shield, spear, and a whisk symbolizing peace.
The festival celebrated Luo heritage and unity, attracting participants from various East African countries and communities, including Uganda's Alur, Acholi, Padhola, and Jo Nam groups, as well as other Luo communities from across Africa.
Museveni expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival's role in fostering East African unity, urging for a stronger push towards an East African Federation to achieve regional prosperity and security.
He emphasized the shared heritage among East Africans, despite colonial-era borders, and called for greater integration.
Museveni reflected on Africa's struggles under colonialism and praised historical leaders like Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta for their contributions to the East African integration process.
He presented Luo cultural leaders with plaques featuring historical moments, including the 1963 declaration by East African leaders to form a federation.
On his part, Ruto applauded Museveni for attending the festival on short notice, calling it a testament to his commitment to regional unity. He emphasized the importance of breaking down artificial borders to enable the free movement of people, goods, and services within East Africa.
He also reaffirmed support for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the African Union chairmanship, positioning it as a step toward promoting African unity and progress.
Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, calling for the removal of colonial-era borders that hinder regional prosperity. He stressed the importance of intra-African trade, noting that only 15% of African trade occurs within the continent compared to 70% in Europe.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo also called for practical steps towards the East African Federation, proposing free movement between Kenya and Uganda as a starting point.
As part of the festival, Ruto officially opened the Lamogi campus of Nyang'oma Technical Training College, a Ksh400 million project aimed at providing educational opportunities.
He announced the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate President Museveni's presence at the event, symbolizing the celebration of East African unity.
The three-day festival, themed 'Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage,' featured cultural displays, including traditional dances, foods, attire, prayers, and folklore.
Participants visited historical landmarks like the Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum and traditional Luo huts representing the community's origins.
Later, Presidents Museveni and Ruto inaugurated the newly constructed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga stadium, a 20,000-seat FIFA-standard facility designed to boost sports in Western Kenya.
The stadium hosted a friendly football match between Kenya's Gor Mahia and Uganda's Kitara FC, with Gor Mahia winning 9-8 in penalties. Museveni praised both teams for their spirited performances and encouraged East Africans to create wealth through agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing.
The Piny Luo Festival underscored the cultural and historical ties binding East African communities while advocating for deeper regional integration and cooperation. The event also served as a platform to promote peace, reconciliation, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/museveni-and-ruto-crowned-luo-elders-at-piny-luo-festival-in-kenya
