PREMIUM From Jaramogi to Raila: Homa Bay violence reignites Luo Nyanza’s old political wars Homa Bay clashes have revived memories of past rivalries over who should lead community after the death of its political supremo. Politics 6 min ago Listen

Article The chaos and violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay on Sunday have rekindled memories of the bitter political rivalries and falling-outs that engulfed the Luo Nation following the death of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the region’s political supremo and one of Kenya’s leading nationalists before and after Independence.

Raila was then leading the National Development Party (NDP), which had emerged as the dominant political force in Luo Nation after the 1997 General Election, dislodging Ford Kenya, the party on whose ticket Mr Orengo was re-elected while backing Michael Wamalwa’s presidential bid.

The confrontation in Homa Bay has, therefore, taken on significance beyond the violence witnessed on Sunday and revived memories of an earlier era when political competition over the leadership of the Luo community repeatedly spilled into bitter confrontations.