By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 4 August 2026 - Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili has been appointed to chair the Technical Committee that will oversee preparations for the 2026 Piny Luo Festival, signalling the county's determination to deliver a landmark cultural celebration expected to draw thousands of participants from Kenya and across the globe.
Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o announced the appointment during the official launch of the sixth edition of the festival at the Kisumu Museum. The festival will be held in Kisumu from December 14 to 16, 2026, marking the first time the lakeside city hosts the event after previous editions in Migori and Siaya counties.
The committee, chaired by Dr Owili, has been tasked with developing a theme that reflects the aspirations and realities of the Luo community, coordinating all logistical preparations, mobilising resources and ensuring the successful delivery of the three-day cultural extravaganza.
"It will bring together representatives from the four Luo Nyanza counties, the Luo Council of Elders and key stakeholders," Prof. Nyong'o said.
The Governor described the festival as more than a cultural showcase, saying it would provide an opportunity to reaffirm Luo identity, deepen unity and unlock new economic opportunities through culture, tourism and investment.
He observed that although Luo people are scattered across the world, they remain united by a rich cultural heritage passed faithfully from one generation to another.
Quoting Luo proverbs to underscore the importance of preserving tradition, Prof. Nyong'o said, "Rieko jodongo ok duon; sudo e tieng' ka tieng'"—the wisdom of elders never dries because it is handed down from one generation to the next.
He added that another enduring saying, "Ruu rwath e meo rwath," reminds the community that every journey begins by following the path laid by those who came before.
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According to the Governor, this year's festival comes at a defining moment in the community's history.
"The 2026 Piny Luo Festival presents an opportunity for our community to reaffirm its unity, celebrate its heritage, strengthen its economic prospects and chart a clear course for the future," he said.
Prof. Nyong'o invited Luo people living locally and in the diaspora, development partners, friends of the Luo community and the wider public to converge in Kisumu for what is expected to be a celebration of culture, innovation and shared identity.
"We invite all Luo people, friends of the Luo community, our development partners and the wider public to join us in Kisumu this December as we celebrate our heritage and shape our shared future," he said.
The Governor noted that the vision of the Piny Luo Festival was conceived by the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, who believed that communities that understand their history and embrace the wisdom of their ancestors are best placed to shape their future.
Among those present at the launch were Luo Council of Elders Chairman Odungi Randa, Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili, County Executive Committee Members Beatrice Odongo and Kenneth Onyango, alongside other county leaders and cultural stakeholders.
Owili to Lead Technical Team as Kisumu Gears Up for 2026 Piny Luo Festival
Kisumu leaders share old adage from Luo community stating that the wisdom of elders never dries because it is handed down from one generation to the next.