Before Raila Odinga became a central figure in Kenya’s political landscape, his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, laid the foundation of the Odinga family, not only as the country’s first Vice President but also as a respected elder of the Luo community.
When Jaramogi died in January 1994, his burial became a landmark event, blending national mourning with deep-rooted Luo traditions that shaped how leaders are remembered and honoured.
Luo Beliefs About Death
In Luo culture, death is seen as a transition to the world of ancestors.
The burial process is not just about laying the body to rest, but about guiding the spirit to its next home.
This journey is marked by rituals that express grief, respect, and spiritual preparation.
One of the most important customs is tero buru, a public procession where mourners chant, beat drums, and move through the village to drive away evil spirits and announce the death of a great person.
Another common practice is liedo, where family members shave their heads to show mourning and mark the beginning of life without the departed.
Burials are rarely rushed. The body is kept for several days to allow relatives to travel and participate.
Bulls are slaughtered not just to feed mourners, but also as a sign of honor and sacrifice.
These ceremonies are large, emotional, and deeply spiritual.
Jaramogi’s Burial: A Grand Farewell
Jaramogi was buried on February 6, 1994, at his home in Bondo.
The event drew over 250,000 mourners, including President Daniel arap Moi, opposition leaders, and dignitaries from across Africa.
The funeral procession stretched 33 kilometers from Awasi to Bondo, with more than 300 vehicles and 100 bulls slaughtered in his honor.
His casket, made from a 145-year-old tree and imported from the United Kingdom, reflected the dignity of his life and the respect he commanded.
The ceremony blended Anglican prayers, traditional Luo songs, and political tributes.
The crowd chanted “Jowi!”, a cry reserved for warriors and heroes, marking Jaramogi as a Ker, a traditional Luo leader whose voice shaped both community and country.
Jaramogi’s burial set a standard for how Luo leaders are honored in death and reaffirmed the importance of tradition in a changing world.
His son, Raila Odinga, who inherited both political responsibility and cultural stewardship, has often spoken about the need to preserve Luo customs and values.
Raila Odinga’s Burial
Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, Siaya County.
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The burial committee, co-chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senator Oburu Oginga, includes family members, ODM leaders, and government officials.
His burial follows a four-day state funeral program, beginning with the repatriation of his body from Kerala, India, where he passed away while receiving treatment.
Raila left a clear instruction: he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
This directive, while practical and modern, stands in contrast to Luo burial customs, which typically span several days.
These rites require time, allowing distant kin to gather and the spirit to be properly transitioned.
Raila’s wish compresses this timeline, creating tension between modern state protocol and ancestral expectations.
Despite the accelerated schedule, Raila’s burial will honor both his Anglican faith and Luo heritage. A church-led service will precede the interment, followed by traditional symbols such as spears, shields, and the Jowi! The chant is reserved for Luo warriors and heroes.
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The burial will take place beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, reinforcing the ancestral lineage and cultural continuity.
The site at Opoda Farm is not just a family resting place; it is a symbol of political legacy and cultural pride.
The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in Raila’s honour.
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