The Piny Luo cultural gathering offered a moment of reflection on values, parenting, and the role of the community in shaping young people. Among those who spoke at the event was Ida Odinga, the widow of the late political icon Raila Odinga, who used the platform to address concerns about how teenagers relate to elders and to one another.
Her appearance drew attention, but it was her message that carried weight, especially in the current social climate where public exchanges can easily turn disrespectful.
Ida’s remarks came at a time when discussions around respect and public conduct have been active, following MP Babu Owino expressing sympathy for her after journalist Maverick Aoko made harsh remarks directed at her.
Without focusing on personal attacks, Ida chose to speak broadly about values, upbringing, and the responsibilities shared by parents and the wider community. Her words were framed around concern rather than anger, and they reflected her long-standing background in education.
As she addressed the gathering, Ida reflected on her own upbringing and the environment she grew up in. She explained that as a child, she was aware of what was happening around her and learned from the people in her community.
According to her, children did not grow up in isolation. Neighbors, relatives, and elders all played a role in teaching what was acceptable and what was not. This collective approach helped shape behavior and character from an early age.
She pointed out that in Luo culture, the process of teaching begins as soon as a child is born. Certain values are passed down through daily interaction, observation, and correction.
However, she noted that many children today are unaware of these cultural expectations. This, in her view, creates gaps in how young people understand respect, responsibility, and boundaries when dealing with others.
Ida emphasized that gatherings like Piny Luo should not only be about celebration but also about guidance. She urged adults to take such opportunities seriously and speak to teenagers about respecting parents, elders, peers, and even in-laws. Respect, she said, should not be selective but extended to everyone around them. She made it clear that guidance should be consistent and not left to chance.
Drawing from her experience as a former high school teacher, Ida said education should go beyond classroom subjects like mathematics and English. While academic knowledge is important, she stressed that education should also shape character.
She described teaching as a calling that does not end when lessons are over or when students leave school. Even in social and cultural spaces, adults still have a duty to teach by example and through direct conversation.
She concluded by reminding the audience that intelligence without good character does not reflect well on the community. According to her, weak character is not something the Luo people should accept or normalize. For that reason, she urged parents and elders to be intentional about raising children who are respectful, grounded, and considerate of others.
