Ndia MP George Kariuki led a delegation of Kikuyu elders to Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo to honor the late former Prime Minister. The elders carried nine bulls and presented them to Mama Ida Odinga and the Odinga family as a powerful cultural symbol of respect and reconciliation.
Their visit created a historic moment of unity between the Kikuyu and Luo communities, long separated by political rivalry. Kariuki celebrated Raila’s enduring legacy of justice and democracy, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta paid a private tribute at Raila’s grave.
Kikuyu Elders Tribute to Raila Odinga Marks Rare Moment of National Reconciliation
A delegation of Kikuyu elders from the Mt. Kenya region has made a historic visit to Bondo to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Led by Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki, the elders arrived at Raila’s Opoda Farm carrying nine bulls, a powerful symbol of peace, respect, and reconciliation in Kikuyu tradition.
Their gesture marked a rare moment of unity between the Kikuyu and Luo communities—two of Kenya’s largest ethnic groups long divided by political rivalry and historical mistrust. Kariuki described Raila as a towering figure whose sacrifice for justice and equality will continue to inspire generations. He noted that the elders’ presence in Bondo was not political but cultural, meant to fulfill a traditional duty to honor a departed leader.
“We have come to offer our sincerest condolences to Mama Ida and the Odinga family,” Kariuki said. “Our visit represents our collective gratitude and respect for Raila’s contribution to democracy and his lifelong fight for equality.”
The delegation included representatives from Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, and Lamu, as well as elders from Kikuyu diaspora communities. Their arrival was met with warm reception by local leaders and family members of the late Raila, who viewed the visit as a powerful symbol of national healing.
Why the Visit by Kikuyu Elders Holds Deep Symbolism
The visit by Kikuyu elders to Raila Odinga’s homestead carries immense cultural and political meaning. For decades, relations between the Luo and Kikuyu communities have been strained, often shaped by political competition at the national level—from the days of Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to their successors.
This meeting in Bondo, however, reflected a rare display of reconciliation. It showed that Kenya’s healing process goes beyond politics and is deeply rooted in mutual respect between its communities. The nine bulls offered to Mama Ida Odinga represented peace, forgiveness, and a shared acknowledgment of Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey.
Kariuki said the elders’ visit was guided by cultural tradition, which dictates that leaders of goodwill pay tribute to fallen statesmen. “We attended the state funeral, but we felt it was important to return with our elders in accordance with our customs,” Kariuki said. “This is how we say farewell—with dignity, humility, and gratitude.”
Their act of solidarity was widely viewed as a bridge between Kenya’s two dominant political regions—Mt Kenya and Nyanza. It was also a statement that unity, not division, should define Kenya’s future after Raila’s passing.
A Gesture of Healing Between Kikuyu and Luo Communities
The emotional visit by Kikuyu elders to the Odinga family comes during the official seven-day national mourning period declared to honor Raila. Many Kenyans saw the gesture as a continuation of the former Prime Minister’s lifelong efforts to unite the nation.
Raila often spoke about the need for inter-ethnic harmony, especially between communities that had found themselves on opposite sides of political battles. His philosophy of “Kenya ni moja” (Kenya is one) remains central to his legacy.
Mama Ida Odinga received the delegation with grace and appreciation, thanking them for their compassion and solidarity. “This gesture goes beyond Raila’s memory—it is a sign that Kenya can heal and stand together,” she said.
Local elders from Siaya also joined in the ceremony, sharing traditional blessings and prayers for continued peace between the two communities. The event concluded with a shared meal, songs of unity, and a prayer for Raila’s eternal rest.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s Private Tribute Adds Emotional Weight
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, a longtime friend and political ally of Raila Odinga, also paid a personal visit to the Odinga family a day after the burial. He visited the family mausoleum at Opoda Farm, where he spent quiet moments in reflection and prayer before Raila’s fresh graveslab.
Uhuru signed the condolence book, leaving a heartfelt note in which he described Raila as a true patriot and a statesman who dedicated his life to Kenya’s democracy. He also promised to visit from time to time, emphasizing that Raila’s influence extended far beyond politics.
His visit, though private, underscored the respect and camaraderie shared between the two leaders, both of whom played major roles in shaping Kenya’s political direction in recent years.
A New Chapter of Reconciliation and Hope
The Kikuyu elders’ visit to Bondo was more than a cultural ritual—it was a message to the entire nation. In a time of mourning, Kenya witnessed a profound act of peace that transcended ethnic and political boundaries.
Through their gesture, the elders reminded Kenyans that Raila Odinga’s dream of unity, democracy, and justice lives on. Their act may well become a turning point in Kenya’s journey toward true national cohesion—a reflection of the belief that even in loss, there can be healing, and in respect, there can be reconciliation.
