Members of Parliament from the Rift Valley and elders of the Kalenjin community will deliver 80 bulls to Bondo, Siaya County, as a tribute to the late opposition leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who died aged 80.
Speaking in public, Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who also chairs the parliamentary caucus of Rift Valley MPs, said the gesture is meant to symbolize unity and reconciliation.
“As a member of parliament for Tinderet … and on behalf of the Kalenjin nation and, more importantly, the elders…tomorrow we will go to Kisumu to mourn Raila in pain. We will take 80 bulls since he lived for 80 years,” Melly said.
He added that “He was a leader that Kenyans listened to … Moving forward, we want the unity that Raila brought; let it remain.”
The legislator framed the gift as part of deep-rooted cultural traditions and as an olive branch between communities historically divided by political fault lines.
Rift Valley Leaders Mourn Raila
“Today … we are with the leaders from the Kalenjin Nation as we come together to mourn the loss of a great leader, Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said.
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“We as a community from Mount Elgon, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, the central Rift, South Rift, Bomet, Kericho, Nandi have come together to mourn with the people of Nyanza, to mourn with Kenyans on this very unfortunate event.”
In his address, Melly also appealed for continuity of the national cohesion he said Raila fostered.
“This government of President William Samuel Ruto … can continue, it can hold us now and even after 2027,” he said. “We know that Kenya is one… Kenya is a big problem now.”
The MP further observed that the offering is a tribute to both Raila’s political legacy and to the efforts of Kalenjin elders.
What it Means for the Nation
“All this work has been done by the people of Kalenjin … And this is to show you that our friend is not alone. He is with us now and even in the days to come,” he declared.
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“We extend a hand of friendliness at this very difficult moment, as we embrace the people, particularly those from the Nyanza region.”
Melly said the delegation would proceed first to Kisumu to join mourning services, then move to Bondo, Odinga’s home area. He indicated that the delegation’s minimum gift is 80 bulls.
“This is to just extend a hand and appreciate indeed what Raila Odinga has done to this country,” he said.
“Much more, we remember in 2008, we became very close friends. Despite the political challenges, the deep friendship between the people of Nyanza and the people of the Rift Valley remains intact.”
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