Embakasi South MP Musili Mawathe is the talk of the town after showcasing his Dholuo mastery while visiting Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm. Musili Mwathe spoke fluent Dholuo at Raila Odinga’s home. Photos: James Orengo. Source: Facebook Mawathe was among the leaders from the Ukambani region who accompanied Kalonzo Musyoka to pay homage to Raila. Raila and Kalonzo shared a long-standing political partnership, having joined forces twice in their pursuit of the presidency. During the visit, Kalonzo, also accompanied by the Kamba Council of Elders and religious leaders, presented a herd of 100 cows as a gesture of friendship and solidarity between the Kamba and Luo communities.
Does Musili Mawathe know Dholuo? The event blended emotion and humour, as one of the elders presented Siaya Governor James Orengo with a symbolic walking stick, acknowledging his courage and leadership. Orengo responded by dashing around the venue with the stick raised high, to the delight of the attendees. His lively act sparked laughter across the crowd, momentarily easing the sombre mood, while Ida looked on with visible amusement. When it was Mawathe’s turn to speak, he took the crowd by storm by fluently speaking in Dholuo. His speech, in which he remembered his time with Raila, evoked both shock and cheers from the crowd. According to many Kenyans who watched the video, Mawathe had a distinct accent like the people hailing from the lakeside. Some tried pinpointing which part he sounded like.
What did Kenyans say about Musili Mwathe’s Dholuo? Here are some of the reactions: Tonnie Ogana: “He speaks fluent Dholuo, and with a Siaya accent.” Raphael Mutuma: “Weuh! If there were an institution of higher learning where Dholuo is taught, I would join.” Mutua Junior: “The Luo language is very easy when well mastered. And very nice speaking it confidently. I worked at Ndhiwa for two years and almost mastered the whole of it.” Bernard Orimbo: “Maybe this guy is actually a Luo from Alego. This Luo is too deep.” Okoth Okoth: “How comes the accent is from Ugenya? This accent is top-notch.” Mwingirwa Linguli: “It’s like Dholuo is the Kenyan version of French.” Dismas Ole Tajiri Mwasambu: “There is need for DNA test.” Agatha Owino: “It’s the Alego accent for me. How is that possible?”
By William Osoro
