Kisumu: Luo traditional rites took centre stage as the community marked the end of the mourning period for the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. After four nights, family members and friends gathered at Raila’s Opoda Farm home where his son, Junior, was shaved and dressed in traditional regalia, a symbol of the transition of family power from father to son.

According to Kenya News Agency, Raila Junior was then given a shield and spear and performed a mock war, as an enthusiastic crowd joined him in shouting ‘Jowi’ (Buffalo), a chant used to invoke courage. With bulls leading the way, Raila Junior and members of the community performed a ‘Tero Buru’ (fighting evil spirits) ceremony before returning home. The family later proceeded to Kang’o ka Jaramogi home, where the former Prime Minister was buried, for a short prayer.

Speaking earlier, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga said the ceremony symbolised the transfer of family power to Raila Junior. Dr Oburu added that while Raila Junior will be advised by his mother, Ida Odinga, he is expected to stand firm and lead the home according to Luo culture. He clarified that Raila Junior’s installation is not for political leadership, nor has he been installed as leader of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family. ‘The larger Odinga family, which I chair and lead, is still under me, just as his father was when it came to cultural leadership of the home,’ he said.

Among those attending were Governors James Orengo (Siaya), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Johnson Sakaja (Nairobi), and several members of parliament.