Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo yesterday met with Luo Council of elders. The meeting took place in Asembo, at the home of late Archbishop Gedion Charles Owalo – who is the Cabinet Secretary’s father. The Elders were led by Ker Nyandiko Ongadi, Thomas Achando, Ouko Calo, and Okinyi Rao, among others. The meeting is coming at a time when the Cabinet Secretary for ICT is in Luo Nyanza tour in the distribution of relief food to families affected with hunger.
Luo Council of Elders is considered to be an integral part of decision making organ in the political landscape of the Nyanza-based community of Luo. This is happening after a recently fiercely fought presidential election that saw president William Ruto beat his closest opponent Raila Odinga, who is perceived to be Luo political supremo. The CS for ICT is the only person from the lake region who was considered by the Ruto-led administration for a Cabinet position.
It’s still not clear on what the agenda was the meeting convened, but regional politics may have featured in – albeit partly. The ICT CS has been using the time to outline the Kenya Kwanza plans to empower local farmers, youth and women in the region.
He also talked about revitalising local industries and uplifting lives of the people of Nyanza to self sufficiency, which is also key among priorities for President William Ruto’s government. Mr Owalo assured the the Luo Council of Elders that President Ruto’s administration is determined to see every corner of the country grow equally, despite of the voting pattern that was witnessed in the last election.
Nyanza is considered to be Raila Odinga’s political ‘bedroom’, a fact that may have neccissitated the current president not to spend too much of time campaign in the region. In fact, Ruto did not take his much publicised Kenya Kwanza economic forums meetings in Luo Nyanza during his campaign time.
