Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday evening at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, in a solemn and symbolic ceremony that brought together national leaders, family, and several mourners allowed at the private ceremony.
Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, in India, was buried in his trademark hat, commonly referred to as 'Ogudu' in the Luo language and 'whisk' or 'Orengo', in what was a symbolic gesture to highlight his influence as per Luo traditions.
The burial ceremony shifted to a more private occasion when it came time to lower his casket to the ground, with only dignitaries, including family, President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries, senior members of the Orange Democratic Movement and close allies present to place floral tributes at the gravesite.
Another notable name who had the rare privilege to personally see off Raila at the former premier's gravesite was his long-serving bodyguard Maurice Ogeta, who was also handed a lifeline after President William Ruto promised him a government job.
In Luo culture, items like a ceremonial whisk are deeply symbolic, as it is associated with elders and community leaders. The whisk represents authority, wisdom and continuity.
Burying a leader with a whisk signifies that the deceased carries his role and dignity into the afterlife, continuing to be a figure of respect, even in death.
Meanwhile, Raila's trademark hat is associated with his image and serves as a lasting emblem of the deceased ODM party leader's personality, lifestyle and political legacy.
Together, the two items honoured Raila not just as a man, but as the memory he stood for, including resilience, leadership and commitment to public welfare.
Since the Luo believe that life continues after death, burying a person with items they valued ensures that they maintain their status and comforts in the afterlife.
In another symbolic moment during the burial, the military presented the Kenyan flag to Mama Ida Odinga to represent honour for Raila's lifelong service and sacrifice to the nation.
As far as heritage is concerned, Raila's lastborn, Raila Odinga Junior, has been tipped to succeed his father, especially after he was spotted with the trademark fly whisk on Friday.
The younger Odinga was seen donning his father's paraphernalia during the public viewing of his father's body at Parliament Buildings, in a sight that was laden with political meaning.
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