Ten bulls will fall to honour Fidel Odinga

Thousands of mourners, including President Uhuru Kenyatta and dignitaries from political, diplomatic and business circles, are expected to throng Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s Kang’o home in Siaya County to give a sendoff to Raila’s eldest son, Fidel, fondly known as ‘Obange’ to close friends.

Over 10 bulls will be slaughtered, since the Luo culture dictates that mourners must feed at funerals to honour the spirits of the dead. The community believes in life after death.

Burial committee chairman, also Siaya County deputy governor, Ouma Onyango said: “We have enough to feed 10,000 mourners. We have already identified five catering units.”

The Luo are known for holding elaborate and emotional send offs, especially for senior members of the community. Fidel’s ‘quick’ burial could herald a cultural change.

“Raila proposed that we do not need to stay long with Fidel’s body, and the same message is currently being passed among the Luo community to avoid holding bodies for long,” said Onyango.

Although Fidel had built his home at his father’s Opoda farm located over 10 kilometres from Jaramogi’s homestead, he will be buried at his grandfather’s Jaramogi mausoleum because he had not traditionally moved to his new home.

According to the Luo culture, a man should be buried at his home, with his head facing the main gate so that he may “continue protecting his family.” Former Luo Council of Elders chairman Ker Riaga Ogalo said, “Luo tradition allows for the burial of a grandson next to his grandfather because they are like brothers.”