Delegations throng Raila’s grave highlighting his lifetime influence

FORMER Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s burial place has been a beehive of activity, with delegations streaming in daily in scenes reminiscent of the magnetic pull he commanded in life.

Raila was buried on Sunday, and his grave site has literally turned into a political and cultural pilgrimage site.

The ex-PM was buried after 72 hours at his father’s home and next to his mother’s grave in line with his wish.

It has been five days since the veteran chief was buried.

From dawn to dusk, groups of mourners including politicians, elders, clergy, and ordinary citizens, make their way to the iconic leader’s rural home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya cunty, where the ODM boss is buried.

Some of the visitors carry flowers, elders in full traditional attire chant traditional songs as they ‘condemn’ the spirit of death.

Many describe the scenes as a continuation of Baba’s rallies and a reflection of the enduring impact that transcends mortality.

In life, Raila’s private Capitol Hill office was a hub of political activity, with leaders from across the political divide trooping to his private office.

Despite holding no official position, Raila hosted senior government officials for consultations at demonstrating his influence across.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is among the growing list of prominent personalities who have made a return to the grave of the late former Prime Minister, days after his burial.

The visits, marked by solemn reflection and private prayers, underscore the profound respect and influence Raila commanded across Kenya’s political divide.

Throughout his presidency, Uhuru and Raila shared both rivalry and unity, culminating in the historic 2018 “handshake” that reshaped Kenya’s political landscape.

The same day, a group of Luos from Gulu in Uganda crossed to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where they staged a whole day of traditional Luo dances while circling the grave.

The latest high-profile leader to return to the grave is the business mogul and Royal Media Services owner SK Macharia.

He landed in Bondo on Thursday morning and was received by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga before proceeding to the grave site, where he offered prayers.

On Wednesday, a strong delegation of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, led by Ndia MP George Kariuki visited Raila’s grave conducted special prayers before presenting bulls to the family.

“We are here to mourn a great leader. Raila Odinga had many opportunities to let this country disintegrate, but he never misused those opportunities,” Kariuki said.

“Every time he faced a critical juncture, he chose unity and used those moments to bring Kenyans together.”

Bukusu elders were also not left behind. On Wednesday, the charged elders clad in their traditional attire stormed the grave site to perform a burial rite called Lufu.

Lufu is a Bukusu’s equivalent to tero-buru, a rite which is conducted on the third day after burial.

Several governors and senators have also made similar pilgrimages, turning Raila’s final resting place into a symbol of unity and national reflection.

Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), Ochilo Ayacko (Migori) and Ken Lusaka (Bungoma) have also returned to the grave site.

On Thursday, Oburu while overseeing the coronation of Raila Junior as the head of Raila's home, explained that the conclusion of the traditional Luo mourning period, marked on the fourth day after burial, was a time of transition, cleansing, and new beginnings for the family.

“My brother was laid to rest on Sunday,” Oburu said. “By last night, the mourning period had come to an end. This morning, we perform the cleansing and blessing that mark a new chapter for the family.”

According to Luo customs, the fourth day after burial marks the conclusion of mourning. It is a day of cleansing and transition, when sons resume normal life and leadership duties are realigned within the homestead.

Even in death, Raila’s presence continues to draw the high and mighty, a testament to his towering legacy in Kenya’s political history.