Kisumu — The Luo Council of Elders has picked Odungi Randa as its "Ker" after proceeding with an election suspended by the court on Friday.

Randa, a one time aide to the late opposition doyen Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was was unveiled on Saturday following "consensus talks" at a meeting graced by opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Randa hails from Kisumu West but lives in Nyando.

Two other elders, Odera Osawa and James Ayaga, had expressed interest in the seat that felt vacant in February following the death of Opiyo Otondi.

Odinga graced a two-day event calminating in Randa's election in his capacity as the Patron of the Elders Council.

The position of "Ker" has been controversial with a rival faction led Nyandiko Ongandi claiming the title.

Ongadi's wing had secured conservatory orders from Siaya High Court stopping the process to elect another Council chairman.

According to history, the late Odinga was the first chairman of the council before he resigned in 1957 to venture into politics.

He was later succeeded by Joel Omer, who would later be succeeded by Paul Mboya. Koyo Pien and Riaga Ogallo subsequently led the council.

The split in the Council has threatened to destablize the Luo nation which considers the elders league as a symbol of unity.