The Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi has died at the Avenue hospital in Kisumu where he has been receiving treatment.
Otondi’s demise was announced by Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro on Friday morning. Oraro said the Luo community have lost a great man who, despite his age, endeavoured to steer the community in the right direction socially, politically and economically.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has mourned Otondi saying his death is a loss to the Luo Nation and Kenya as a whole. “Ker Willis Otondi‘s passing has left us with a heavy heart; it is a great loss for the wider Luo nation. Kenya has lost a distinguished member of society. Sad for the Luo nation to lose him at this moment. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire community.” said the former Prime Minister.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has said the death of Ker Willis Otondi is very painful to the Luo Nation. “We have lost a strong, and virtuous elder. A visionary leader who held the community together. We will miss him dearly, but we’ll celebrate his long and remarkable life. Lit to ok chwer remo.” said Orengo in his message of condolence.
Kisumu Senator Professor Tom Ojienda said “It’s with deep sadness that I have received the news of the demise of Luo Elder Ker Willis Otondi. Otondi was not only a wise and accommodating leader. He was an advocate for the unity and well-being of the community. May the good Lord comfort his family during this tough time.”
Ker Otondi has been in and out of hospital in recent months and was recently hospitalised at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where ODM leader Raila Odinga visited him last week with other leaders
Otondi has been at the helm of the Council since the demise of the then Ker the late Riaga Ogallo.
