Luhya elders deliver six bulls to Raila Odinga’s Bondo home in powerful cultural tribute ahead of burial

A delegation of Luhya elders on Saturday made their way to Raila Odinga’s rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where they performed traditional rites and delivered six bulls in honour of the late opposition leader.

The first group, comprising Maragoli elders and sent by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, arrived early in the morning, presenting six bulls one representing each of the five Western Kenya counties and one personally from Mudavadi.

Speaking during the symbolic handover, the elders described the gesture as a heartfelt expression of solidarity and condolences from the Luhya community to the Luo nation following Raila’s death.

“The bulls are six, and five represent the five Western Kenya counties, while one is from the Prime Cabinet Secretary. We are very close to the Luo community in fact, we are in-laws and we have come to share in their grief,” said one of the elders’ spokespersons.

The elders prayed, blessed the bulls, and handed them to the Odinga family to be slaughtered and served to mourners attending the weekend ceremonies a gesture symbolizing unity and the celebration of Raila’s life and legacy.

A second delegation of Bukusu elders from Trans Nzoia County, led by DAP–Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, also paid tribute at the Bondo home. Wamalwa described the visit as a continuation of a long-standing bond between the Odinga and Wamalwa families.

“When my brother, the late Wamalwa Kijana, passed away in 2003, Raila led a team of Luo elders to Kitale to honour him. Today, we are here to return that gesture of respect and friendship,” Wamalwa said.

He lauded Raila as a statesman and visionary whose values of democracy, justice, and national unity would continue to inspire future generations.

The two ceremonies underscored the deep cultural and political ties between the Luhya and Luo communities, united not only by geography but by shared struggles for democracy and justice.

Raila Odinga, who passed away in India on October 15 while undergoing treatment, will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.