Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has arrived in Bondo, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s residence.
Oburu’s presence at Raila’s home is significant as he officially communicates his brother’s death to the larger family and the community.
The move officially opens Raila’s home to allow mourners to condole with the family.
Mama Ida Odinga was best placed to make the official announcement of Raila’s death; however, given the time constraints, Oburu had to step in for the role.
According to the Luo traditions, the process is called 'tero ywak pacho,' meaning taking the cry home.
Oburu, being Jaramogi's eldest son, is essentially opening the house of his brother to mourners and telling the clan, elders, and Raila's peers that they have a funeral, they have lost a son, and the logistical steps that follow.
Oburu was seen holding a meeting in Raila's house with relatives, his peers, extended family members and elders, among others.
He will also inform the community and planning committee on the plans that have been made ahead of Raila's burial.
A group of mourners had gathered at Raila's Bondo home to condole the family of Raila.
Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died in India on Wednesday morning while receiving treatment.
His passing has drawn tributes from world leaders, business executives, and citizens who credit him for his role in advancing multiparty democracy, devolution, and governance reforms.
Security has been enhanced at the Nairobi and Bondo homes of
former Prime Minister Raila as part of efforts to ensure a smooth burial on
Sunday.
Police authorities said they feared chaos could break out
among some of the mourners.
This followed reports from several mourners who said they
had been harassed and robbed by goons hiding among supporters.
In Nairobi, police mounted roadblocks at the entrance
leading to Odinga’s home. Police said they had enhanced security at both
homes. The National Security Council met on Wednesday under the
chairmanship of President William Ruto and ordered the deployment of additional
security personnel.
Several people have complained of being harassed and robbed
by goons taking advantage of Odinga’s death.
Odinga died in India following a heart attack.
There was chaos in Nairobi after rowdy mourners breached
major security installations following the arrival of Odinga’s body from India
on Thursday. This forced security agencies to revise earlier burial plans.
There was a major security breach at the Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday after crowds of mourners and boda boda
riders gained access to the State Pavilion during the arrival of the body.
At Parliament Buildings, officials had to cancel a planned
public viewing after they were overwhelmed by the crowd.
At Lee Funeral Home, security was also heightened after reports of a security breach. Officials canceled plans to hold the body there briefly and decided to move it directly to Kasarani.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced a temporary closure of the airspace over JKIA from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m. to facilitate enhanced security rescreening operations following the arrival of the remains. Seven flights were diverted.
