Pomp, colour and culture were on full display at this year’s Piny Luo festival held at Rongo University in Migori County under the theme ‘Luo Unity in Diversity: Harmonising and Institutionalising our Heritage’. which took place from December 15 to 17.
This year’s festival also honoured the legacy of Kenya’s fallen hero, Raila Amolo Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025 and was accorded a state funeral for his life-long contribution to the growth, stability and building of the Republic of Kenya. As such Luo leaders from across the country attended the event.
President William Ruto attended the fifth edition of the event on Wednesday to highlight the importance of maintaining and showcasing Kenya’s cultural diversity. This is part of the government’s push to package culture as an attractive tourism package.
The President has previously called on national and county elders, cultural practitioners, the private sector, and our development partners to work together to ensure that culture is packaged as a lucrative product.
“We call on national and county elders, cultural practitioners, the private sector, and our development partners to…safeguard Kenya’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. This heritage must deliver tangible benefits to our people and to the nation,” President Ruto said. “This includes leveraging our cultural heritage to strengthen tourism as a driver of jobs, enterprise, and inclusive economic growth.”
The President was welcomed by Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko who said of the festival: “This celebration embodies the unity in diversity that defines our region. As we welcome communities across East Africa, we showcase not only our rich cultural heritage but also Migori’s potential as a hub for trade, investment, and tourism.”
The event was held in partnership with the county governments of Kisumu, headed by Governor Professor Anyang Nyong’o, Homa Bay, headed by Governor Gladys Wanga and Siaya County, headed by James Orengo.
