President Ruto Crowned Luo Elder at Thimlich Ohinga, Pledges Support for Cultural Heritage

President William Ruto was on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, crowned a Luo elder during a colourful cultural ceremony held at the historic Thimlich Ohinga site in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County.

The rare honour was bestowed on the Head of State by Luo elders in recognition of his engagement with the community and his support for cultural heritage and national unity. The ceremony, rich in traditional symbolism and rituals, drew local leaders, elders, cultural practitioners, residents, and government officials.

Speaking at the event, President Ruto said the recognition symbolised the importance of embracing Kenya’s cultural diversity as a foundation for unity and shared national identity. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage sites across the country.

The President announced plans to establish a cultural centre at Thimlich Ohinga, noting that the facility will play a key role in preserving Luo history, promoting tourism, and safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations.

“The proposed cultural centre will help document and preserve the rich history of the Luo community while also opening up this site as a major tourism attraction,” President Ruto said. “By protecting our heritage, we are also creating economic opportunities for local communities.”

Thimlich Ohinga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest and best-preserved dry-stone enclosures in East Africa and is regarded as a significant symbol of the Luo community’s historical settlement and architectural ingenuity.

Local leaders and elders welcomed the President’s commitment, saying the proposed cultural centre would boost cultural education, attract tourists, and enhance livelihoods in the region. They also described the President’s crowning as a gesture of inclusion and respect for community traditions.

The event underscored the government’s broader agenda of leveraging culture and heritage to drive tourism, strengthen social cohesion, and promote sustainable development, while reinforcing the message that Kenya’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths.