Kalonzo delivers 100 cattle to Raila’s Opoda Farm in traditional honour

Armed with a shield and spear, Kalonzo, his delegation walked into the homestead to chants of “Jowi! Jowi!”

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

News06 November 2025 - 18:20

In Summary

The presence of cattle — particularly bulls — signifies that the departed was a highly respected, courageous, and influential figure.
Kalonzo’s visit follows a string of similar gestures from other regional leaders who have trooped to Bondo to pay homage.

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Heads of cattle being driven to Raila Odinga's Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya county, by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's delegation to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister, November 6, 2025. /FAITH MATETE

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Thursday honoured his longtime political ally, the late Raila Odinga, in a deeply symbolic traditional gesture by delivering dozens of cattle to his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya county.

Reports indicated that Kalonzo brought with him about 100 cattle, a grand show of respect that underscored the depth of his admiration for the former Prime Minister.

Their arrival marked what has become one of the most striking tributes to Raila, whose death on October 15 triggered an outpouring of grief and honour across the country and beyond.

Armed with a shield and spear, the former Vice President and his delegation — which included Kitui Senator Enock Wambua and governors and MPs from Ukambani — walked into the Odinga homestead to chants of “Jowi! Jowi!”

The chant, meaning buffalo, is a traditional exclamation of valour, used to hail a great warrior in Luo culture.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and his delegation arrive at Raila odinga's Opoda Farm home in Bondo to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister, November 6, 20205. /FAITH MATETE

In Luo customs, visiting the home of a deceased elder or great leader with cattle is part of a sacred ritual known as Tero Buru.

The ceremony’s purpose is to symbolically drive away evil spirits or misfortunes associated with death, while cleansing the home and the community.

The presence of cattle — particularly bulls — signifies that the departed was a highly respected, courageous, and influential figure.

Raila, who was laid to rest on October 19 after a state funeral attended by local and international dignitaries, has continued to draw tributes from across Kenya’s political divide.

Kalonzo’s visit follows a string of similar gestures from other regional leaders who have trooped to Bondo to pay homage.

On October 17, a delegation of Kalenjin leaders presented 80 bulls to the Odinga family to symbolise the 80 years Raila lived, in a powerful expression of unity and shared respect between the Kalenjin and Luo communities.

The cattle were also meant to assist with funeral logistics and feasting during the elaborate ceremonies.

On the eve of the burial, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya led another delegation, accompanied by DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, in presenting 15 cows and several bags of maize.

The governor described the gifts as a “humble token” of gratitude for Raila’s lifelong pursuit of justice, democracy, and national cohesion.

Natembeya noted that the gesture also mirrored an act of friendship two decades earlier, when Raila took bulls to Kitale in 2003 to honour the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana during his funeral.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi also delivered several bulls to the Odinga home ahead of the burial.

“We appreciate the love and respect we had for Rt. Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga,” Osotsi said. “The region loved him, and therefore we came together and decided to pay our last respects in a special, traditional way.”