CELEBRATING THE INSTALATION OF KER RIWRUK DONGRUK KANO MANYIEN (REDOKAM) MZEE

  BY: DR. T.M.O. AYODO
 
 
 
  (CO-ORDINATOR, KABONDO ELDERS' DEVELOPMENT GROUP KEDRO AND KASIPUL ELDERS' DEVELOPMENT AND ADVISORY GROUP KEDAG, AND ALSO PATRON LUO ELDERS' DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL   ASSOCIATION, LEDEC)
 
 
 
  HELD AT OTIENO OYOO SECONDARY SCHOOL ON SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2006
 
 
 
 
 
  INTRODUCTION
  It is an important day for which I wish to thank the Almighty and the
officials of Riwruok Dongruok Kano Manyien (RIDOKAM).
  This day which the cultural leader of this organization championing the social
and economic development of all the thirteen clans of Kano each led by an
elected 'Ogai' is being confirmed in his position as 'KER' of Kano marks a
significant step in efforts to improve the quality of life for residents of the
vast Kano. I am aware of the efforts started in the 1950s by founders of RIDOKA as it was known then, to help involve residents in developing Kano. It is gratifying to learn that the recent revival of this old organization is an eye
opener in the direction of Nyakach Elders Development Group, which was founded in 1998, has now sensitized several Luo Communications.

  Function of ELDERS' Development Groups in Luo Communities
  Over the last five years, there has been a determined move in which I have
been involved to introduce in as many Luo communities as possible the concept
and operations of Elders' Development Groups. As I have explained in the fora, the prevailing massive and endemic poverty and underdevelopment in Luo Nyanza has provoked concern amongst us as local professionals. This has been evidenced in reduced agricultural productivity, declining educational [performance, environmental degradation, diminished employment opportunities, increased below poverty level per capita incomes, low levels of business participation, erosion of cultural values, high death rates, unfair exploitation of natural resources such as fisheries among others. At the political front, we have not been favoured with our representatives being marginalized at the national level, resulting into the community disadvantage in sharing the national cake.

  The foregoing requires a serious forum to address on a sustainable basis. The
institution of Elderhood readily comes to mind as an effective organ capable of
spearheading an onslaught. The Elder heads the family, possess inherited land,
protects and nourishes children and the wife and is responsible for taking
important decisions concerning the welfare of the family and community. An
Elders' Development Group, therefore, is a forum comprising of Elders over fifty years old, coming from families and clans whose concern is articulating the
community's development problems and finding solutions to the same. In doing
this, the Elders require the involvement of everyone in the community. They need to have mobilized the professionals, youth and women.

  Structure of the Elders' Development Group
  It is important that the organizational structure of an Elders' Development
Group be clearly spelt out, preferably emulating the model started by Nyakach in 1998 with:
      Ker as the ceremonial community leader elected by clans which are headed by;
  Ogai who is elected by Elders from families.
  An Executive office consisting of chairman, secretary and treasurer which is
responsible for the running of the Group.
  To actualize the aspirations for which the Elders' Development Group is
formed, there should be effective operational organs charged with specific
development responsibilities such as:-
      Professionals Association
  Education and Culture
  Health
  Agriculture
  Environment
  Youth development
  Women's programme

  It is this structure that is being replicated in the various Luo communities
which hitherto include Nyakach, Kabondo, Kasipul, Kano, Ugenya, Yimbo, Alego, Asembo, Kajulu, Karachuonyo, Kisumo, Rusinga and Gem which are represented at this ceremony of the installation of KER of Kano.

  The Institution of Ker
  In the traditional Luo set up, KER is the ultimate leader who personifies the
welfare and survival of the community. He should be respected. Senior most
inhabitant who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership
qualities. In him should be manifested bravery, integrity, wisdom, magnanimity,
self reliance and charisma.

  KER is an expression of the hopes of the community, and it is the expectation
that his presence symbolizes unity and vicarious concerns on its behalf. In
electing KER Walter Oselu Nyalik as the ceremonial leader of RIDOKAM, I do trust the thirteen Ogais from the Kano Clans considered all these characteristics.
  Herein, therefore lies the importance attached to the installation ceremony. I
want to thank REDOKAM for this event which I expect should be emulated by other proliferating Elders' Development Groups in Luo Nyanza.

  THANK YOU ALL.