In an extraordinary gesture of national solidarity, Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur on Sunday led a high-powered delegation from the Kalenjin community to Bondo, Siaya County, where the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga is scheduled to take place today.
The delegation, comprising members of the Kalenjin Council of Elders and several political leaders, presented 80 bulls to the Odinga family — a powerful cultural and symbolic act in African tradition signifying fraternity, condolence, and respect for the departed.
“Today, together with my colleagues and the esteemed members of the Kalenjin Council of Elders, we travelled to Bondo to convey our deepest sympathies to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga,” said Kitur. “In a demonstration of fraternity and communal solidarity, our delegation presented 80 bulls on behalf of our people to stand with the family during this period of mourning.”
The Nandi Hills legislator emphasized that the gesture transcended politics, describing it as a reflection of the shared values of respect, leadership, and unity that Raila embodied throughout his life.
The delegation was warmly received at Opoda Farm, the Odinga family home, by Mama Ida Odinga, Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, among other dignitaries coordinating the final rites.
Observers described the moment as deeply symbolic, given the historically tense political relations between the Luo and Kalenjin communities — two of Kenya’s most influential blocs. The sight of Kalenjin elders and leaders presenting bulls to the Odinga family was widely hailed as a healing moment and a testament to Raila’s enduring legacy as a bridge-builder.
“As a community, we are profoundly pained by this monumental loss,” Kitur added. “May the life and legacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga continue to illuminate the path of leadership, courage, and national unity for generations yet to come.”
The 80 bulls, already delivered to the Opoda homestead, will be used to feed the thousands of mourners expected to attend the state funeral. In total an estimated 200 bulls will be slaughtered to feed the huge number of mourners.
Raila Odinga, who passed away in India earlier this month, will be laid to rest this afternoon in a ceremony blending state protocol with Luo cultural traditions — a fitting farewell to a man many describe as the conscience of Kenya’s democracy.
