Raila Odinga Junior Takes Over as Head of the Odinga Family
The ceremony concludes with the recitation of Tero Buru, a traditional cleansing and send-off ceremony that is supposed to cleanse the homestead
Raila Odinga Junior expressed his readiness to take on the mantle, pledging to uphold the values and vision that defined his late father’s life. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Raila Odinga Junior, Raila Odinga’s youngest son, was officially ushered in as the new face of the Odinga clan. This occurred after attending the Odinga clan’s Kang’o Ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, four days after the state funeral of his father, marking the end of traditional mourning ceremonies.
During the ceremony, Junior underwent the symbolic shaving of the head ceremony, an important Luo cultural ceremony that signals the end of mourning for adult men. The ceremony symbolizes a transition from mourning to acceptance as well as facilitating the mourners and family members to resume life as before. The ceremony also symbolizes transfer of leadership from the deceased to the next generation.
Tero Buru and Other Cultural Rites
The ceremony concludes with the recitation of Tero Buru, a traditional cleansing and send-off ceremony that is supposed to cleanse the homestead and ensure that the dead spirit rests in peace. Family members and guests, after such a ceremony, are eventually free to leave the homestead, and the bereavement period is at an end. The ceremony also ensures that the widow and family are free to resume normal social and cultural activities.
The grandmother used to shave first followed by the rest of the people. The widow was also to be shaved during the cleansing ritual, but the family did not do that in this case. Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother, stated due to modernization and evolving traditions, Mama Ida Odinga would not receive the shaving ceremony.
Continuation of a Historic Legacy
Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is a close relative, described the ceremony as a significant function in continuing the Odinga family legacy. “The installation of Raila Odinga Junior as the leader of the family is a milestone event in continuing a great legacy of service and leadership,” Orengo said during the ceremony.
Raila Odinga Junior demonstrated that he was willing to take up the challenge, promising to uphold the values and the vision that were the hallmark of his late father’s life. “I am humbled and prepared to continue the work of unity and service that my father believed in,” he said.
Nationwide Support and Repeated Visits
Since his burial, the Odinga clan has continued receiving delegations from everywhere across the nation to their Bondo home. Individuals have been coming to offer prayers and pay their respects at Raila’s grave. The figures reflect the late leader’s lasting influence alongside the respect he earned across Kenya.
Having performed the usual rites now, and Junior’s installation completed, the Odinga family now looks forward to continuing its tradition of leadership, harmony, and public service.
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