Rastafari community mourns death of Elder Ras Lojuron; chairman of the Rastafari Society of Kenya

Ras Lojuron, a son of the late South Sudanese politician Aggrey Jaden, and who has been living in Kenya, passed away last week after a period of illness.

Elder Ras Lojuron was a towering figure in Kenya’s cultural and spiritual landscape and revered for his lifelong dedication to the Rastafari movement.

Ras Lojuron, who was also the chairman of the Rastafari Society of Kenya, left behind a legacy that has inspired generations of Rastafarians across Africa and beyond.

He was widely known for his commanding presence and unwavering commitment to Rastafarian principles.

He also served as the High Priest of the Nyahbinghi Order, the Most Ancient and Sacred Order within Rastafari and was a key member of the Rastafari Continental Council.

The Continental Council unites Rastafari leaders from across the African continent.

Before his death, Elder Ras Lojuron had been at the forefront of representing the Rastafarian faith in civil matters, especially the recognition of the group as a religious organization and the legalisation of Marijuana in the country.

The High Court, in a past ruling, indicated that Rastafarianism is a religion just like any other and ought to be respected.

While giving his final verdict in a suit that had been filed by a father of a girl who was sent away from Olympic High School in Nairobi soon after being admitted to Form One, Justice Enoch Chacha Mwita said that the school administration’s action denied the girl her right to religion and education.

Elder Ras Lojuron's influence extended well beyond spiritual leadership; he was also the founder of the Haile Selassie I Foundation in Kenya.

The organisation’s mandate is dedicated to promoting the teachings and legacy of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, whom Rastafarians regard as a divine figure.

Through the foundation, Elder Ras Lojuro played a central role in cultural education, community empowerment, and the preservation of African heritage.

Ras Lojuron was also a pioneering South Sudanese nationalist and politician who led the early movement for South Sudan’s independence. 

He served as President of the Sudan African National Union (SANU) and the Southern Sudan Provisional Government, and is remembered for his unwavering stance on self-determination.

Thousands of Rastafari adherents have continued to mourn the passing of the revered High Priest, sharing moving tributes online.

Ras Julio, a popular Italian Rastafarian adherent, writer and broadcaster, was among the many who mourned Ras Lojuron, praising his oratory skills, as well as his unwavering commitment to the faith.

"His militancy and life livication to the ghetto youth struggle was exemplary and will remain an inspiration to many," he wrote on Facebook. 

"His presence was solid and his speech on stage eye opening to the listeners. I can only testify and admire the love and devotion that all the Haile Selassie Foundation community has had for him."

Ras Lojuron's burial ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 17th May 2025 in Matuu, with a final concert and fundraiser planned for Friday, 16th May.