President Okila had received a government appointment
so we went to up-country to Vihiga to support him.
Elder and Jensen (Public Affairs Missionaries) and
Elder and Sister Shakespeare (Food Initiative Missionaries)
were also there and each of us took some members to the
inauguration meeting.
We arrived early and were entertained by some local
dancers who also provided their own music and songs.
Their costumes were native costumes to the tribe they were representing.
We really enjoyed watching them and of course they were
requesting money for the "show". They danced for a while and then
they rested for a while then they danced some more for the
people who came a little later.
Later after the Governor came they also danced for him and
of course, requested money to which the Governor dug
in his pocket and gave them some.
After starting the pre-inauguration meeting a Church Choir
sang several numbers. Most of them were songs of praise for
Kennedy Okila and their love for him.
While this choir sang a woman came out and danced in
front of them. She also sang for Okila.
Than another Church choir sang and they also had some men
who sang with them who also played the drums for
accompaniment. The group of members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
also sang two hymns. We also joined in to sing.
After quite a while the Governor of the area came with other dignitaries.
The Governor is the man in the brown suit in the middle.
Then more dancing and singing.
Finally the honored guest in the person of
President Okila came in with the parade.
He is in the yellow uniform with his wife to his left.
The choirs had gone out to "singingly" enter with him.
President Okila and his wife took their seats in the
center of the field between the dignitaries and the guests.
As the inauguration proceeded he was "crowned" with a
black hat and then government officials were introduced and
praised him and welcomed him to their ranks.
Then he spoke, his wife spoke and some family members also spoke
including his father and step mother.
The Governor also spoke for a time and praised President Okila
and welcomed him to the staff.
After the ceremonies President Okila and others went to the
luncheon and as they left the ceremony area he was
draped with garlands of love and respect.
These are other family members of the Okila family.
Sister Shakespeare had a good following of children!!
Shakespeare's spent the night with us and we helped them
a little with the food initiative in Kisumu.
A very interesting day came to a close. one in which we
learned a lot of the culture of the area and tribe here.
Shakespeare's spent the night with us and we helped them
a little with the food initiative in Kisumu.
A very interesting day came to a close. one in which we
learned a lot of the culture of the area and tribe here.
