The farewell to Raila Amolo Odinga is a moment of profound national mourning. Yet, behind the scenes, a powerful conflict of time is unfolding.
It pits the ancient spiritual demands of the Luo community against the modern, practical wishes of the departed leader.
The core issue is the timeline. Odinga left a specific final wish: he should be laid to rest within 72 hours of his passing.
The Spiritual Journey
For the Luo people of western Kenya, burial is not a quick event. It is a spiritual journey. The process of transitioning the deceased to the world of the ancestors takes time.
Traditional custom demands patience. Burials typically stretch over several days. This allows for essential rituals to be performed correctly. It also ensures that all distant kin can arrive.
Key rites must be completed. These include Tero Buru, the ritualistic accompaniment of the spirit. Liedo, the ritual shaving of hair, is also central. Finally, communal feasting marks the transition. All these require days.
The Luo believe hastening the process can disrupt the spiritual peace of the leader.
The Modern Mandate
Odinga’s 72-hour directive sharply breaks from this ancient tradition. It is a modern, practical instruction. It reflects his life lived in the fast-paced world of national politics.
The decision forces a compression of the cultural timeline. This accelerated schedule is a necessity for the State Funeral. The state protocol must move quickly.
The contrast is stark: 72 hours versus several days. This accelerated timing is a painful compromise. It limits the time for the full spiritual and communal preparation.
“We have lost one of Africa’s greatest leaders, a giant of democracy, a fearless fighter, and a tireless warrior of good governance.”
A Necessary Convergence
Despite the rush, the ceremony in Bondo will not forget tradition. It must accommodate both worlds.
The burial will happen next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. This maintains the ancestral connection. Cultural symbols will be present. Spears, shields, and the warrior’s Jowi! chant are expected.
The funeral must also respect Odinga’s Anglican faith. A church-led service is planned before the interment.
Raila Odinga’s final journey is a delicate balancing act. It honours the state of Kenya while struggling to adhere to the deeply rooted spiritual clock of the Luo.
His final moments mirror his life: a powerful fusion of deep heritage and global modernity
by eugene okumu
