The long-serving chairperson of the Luo Council of Elders, Willis Otondi, died suddenly and the community is mourning his death. Read on to learn how did Willis Otondi die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
Otondi was ill lately and was getting treatment for his condition. Unfortunately, he couldn’t survive. Rituals for his farewell are awaited as the community waits to bid adieu to the late leader of the Luo people.
Who was Willis Otondi?
Willis Edwin Opiyo Otondi was a renowned Kenyan politician. Born in 1926, Otondi was the former Chairperson of the Luo Council of Elders. For context, it’s an organization that represents the Luo community in Kenya and advises on matters related to traditional customs, culture, and governance.
Otondo took over the leadership of the Luo Council of Elders in November 2010 from Riaga Ogallo. It also led to a lengthy battle for control against Nyandiko Ongadi. Ogallo was removed by council members due to allegations of abuse of his powers.
In 2013, Otondi was also a candidate for the Nyando parliamentary seat in the Kenyan general election. He was a highly influential political figure who was involved in numerous political and social issues affecting the Luo community.
How did Willis Otondi die?
The chairperson of the Luo Council of Elders, Willis Otondi, died on Friday, February 23, 2023. He was 98 years old at the time of his death. Otondi had been suffering from an unannounced illness before his passing.
He was admitted to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu last week. Unfortunately, Willis Otondi died earlier today at the Avenue Hospital and his death was confirmed by his grandson Willis Raburu.
“This one hits different and hurts! My grandfather, he who I am named after, Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi! How can it be though that just yesterday we were talking and today,” Raburu wrote on Twitter.
Willis Otondi dead: What was the cause of his death?
The Luo leader Willis Otondi died at the Avenue Hospital earlier today at the age of 98. The specific cause of his death was not revealed but he was suffering from an undisclosed illness. He was also getting treatment for the disease.
It’s possible that the illness became the cause of the death of Willis Otondi. His old age might have made the condition worse. We are trying to get in touch with the people who were close to him to gather more details.
It’s expected that his grandson will soon share more details following the rituals of his grandfather’s farewell.
Tributes Flooding for Luo Leader Willis Otondi
The Luo community is mourning the loss of their beloved leader and chairperson Willis Otondi. He was one of the longest-serving and venerated figures of the council. Tributes have also appeared for the politician on social media.
ODM leader Raila Odinga led the tributes and called Otondi’s death a great loss to Kenya. He added that he felt unfortunate that the Luo community lost the nonagenarian during the difficult times.
“Ker Willis Otondi’s passing has left us with a heavy heart; it is a great loss for the wider Luo nation. Kenya has lost a distinguished member of society. Sad for the Luo nation to lose him at this moment. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire community,” Raila stated.
The funeral services of Willis Otondi are pending at this time along with an official obituary. This post will serve as a digital obituary for the time being.
Otondi is survived by his grandson Willis Raburu and the people of his community. Raburu stated that he will take forward the legacy of his grandfather, after whom he was named.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. May God let the departed soul rest in peace.
