Was Raila Odinga’s ‘within 72 hours burial’ will pushing for cultural change among Luos?

Shocked Kenyans around the world remember where they were when the news broke about the sudden passing of Raila Odinga, Enigma, Jakom, Agwambo, Tinga, Owadga Akinyi. Nyundo, Party Leader, The Right Honorable, Prime Minister on October 15, 2025, in India. Raila, who had been missing from public events amid speculation about his health, was in India for treatment at Ayurvedic hospital in Koothattukulam, Kerala. Raila, 80, collapsed while going for a morning walk and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital. Doctors in India said the former prime minister had a cardiac arrest at 6:30 a.m. local time and was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. despite efforts by doctors to save his life. Raila was in India with his daughter Winnie, his sister Ruth Odinga, bodyguard Maurice Ogeta, and personal physician Dr. Oluoch Olunya. But more shocking was the revelation that the ODM leader had informed his family that he wished to be buried within 72 hours of his death! Raila wanted also to be buried in the family’s graveyard at Kango Ka Jaramogi, Nyamira, Bondo, next to his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his son Fidel’s graves. And with that the countdown of 72 hours kicked in for the burial of a man who had dominated the political scene in Kenya for more than 30 years. Raila had served as Ford Kenya director of elections, the MP for Langata, minister for energy and roads, ODM party leader, and prime minister between 2008 and 2013. Raila was also a cultural icon for the Luo community. His elder brother, Oburu Oginga, said that he didn't know that Raila wrote in his will that he's to be buried within 72 hours! “When I got that one, I was shocked and said, "This our child, will we just bury him after 72 hours?" But we said we must follow the will of the deceased, and so we tried to ensure it happened," Oburu said. And with that, Raila’s body arrived in Kenya from India on Thursday, October 16 for a public viewing at Kasarani Complex. This was followed by the remains lying in State at the Parliament Building and a public viewing at Nyayo national Stadium on October 17. The body was then flown to Kisumu for another public viewing on October 18 before being airlifted to his body home. The burial took place on Sunday, October 19 – with Luo customs, Anglican Church practices and State protocols fully observed. But where did these 72 hours fit within the Luo customs? Can a man who has his homestead at Opoda Farm, about seven kilometres away be buried in his father’s compound at Kango Ka Jaramogi? The Luo Council of Elders Chairman Mzee Odungi Randa said that burying Raila Odinga at his ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, was culturally rightful and spiritually meaningful. Randa, who is considered the custodian of Luo culture and customs, said burying Raila next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was consistent with Luo tradition. And to complete the Luo tradition, Raila’s widow must visit her husband’s grave for four consecutive days before the mourning period officially ends. Ida was seen fulfilling this practice before the morning period ended. Raila, in writing in his will to be buried within 72 hours, was essentially trying to revive some Luo traditions. He had opposed prolonged keeping of bodies at the funeral homes and the elaborate and lavish spending and feasting during funerals, which he called a chilling industry. He believed that such practices financially burdened the bereaved families. According to Luo tradition, burial used to take place within two days. Fire was never lit nor food cooked in homes where there was mourning. Instead, neighbors brought food to support the bereaved. May be, as part of upholding the Luo tradition that Raila cherished, mourners have continued to troop to Kango ka Jaramogi homestead with large heads of cattle and other gifts to mourn Raila, the cultural icon!