Kikuyu elders conduct special prayers at Raila's grave, offer bulls

The Kikuyu Council of Elders performs special prayers at Raila Odinga's grave in Bondo./FAITH MATETE

A delegation of Kikuyu Council of Elders led by Ndia MP George Kariuki on Wednesday visited the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at their Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County, in a symbolic gesture of peace, respect, and national unity.

The elders were warmly received by Dr Ida Odinga and Raila Junior, who welcomed them to the family compound.

The Kikuyu Council of Elders visit Raila Odinga's home in Bondo./FAITH MATETE

The delegation conducted special prayers at the grave of the late opposition leader before presenting bulls to the Odinga family — a traditional sign of honour and friendship among the Kikuyu community.

The Kikuyu Council of Elders is received by Mama Ida Odinga at Raila Odinga's Opoda Farm home in Bondo on October 22, 2025./FAITH MATETE

The Kikuyu Council of Elders sign the visitors book at Raila Odinga's Opoda Farm home in Bondo on October 22, 2025./FAITH MATETE

MP Kariuki said the visit was both a mark of respect and a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between Kenya’s diverse communities.

Kariuki said Kenya had lost a statesman who repeatedly chose peace and national cohesion over personal or political gain.

“We are here to mourn a great leader. Raila Odinga had many opportunities to let this country disintegrate, but he never misused those opportunities,” Kariuki said.

“Every time he faced a critical juncture, he chose unity and used those moments to bring Kenyans together.”

Raila Junior receives some of the bulls offered by the the Kikuyu Council of Elders at Raila Odinga's Opoda Farm home in Bondo on October 22, 2025./FAITH MATETE

He praised Raila Odinga’s legacy, describing him as a statesman who dedicated his life to democracy, justice, and unity.

Kariuki also thanked President William Ruto for the support and comfort he has extended to the Odinga family during the difficult period, saying it reflected the spirit of national unity that Raila Odinga had always championed.

Kariuki added, emphasizing that the best way to honor Odinga’s legacy was for Kenyans to remain united and work together for the country’s progress.

The bulls offered by the Kikuyu Council of Elders to the family of Raila Odinga./FAITH MATETE

Dr Ida Odinga thanked the elders for their visit, their prayers, and the cultural offering, saying the gesture spoke volumes about Kenya’s capacity for reconciliation and shared nationhood.

Raila Junior also lauded the elders for their show of solidarity, saying their presence in Bondo carried deep symbolic meaning at a time when the country continues to heal and forge new bonds across communities.

Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando, reacting to the visit, praised the elders for their gesture, describing it as a profound act of national healing.

“Thank you very, very much, Kikuyu elders, the Kiama kia Ma (Council of Truth). May God protect the soul, family, and community of Jaramogi–Raila Odinga. Long live the Luo–Kikuyu solidarity! Long live Kenya! The gallant legacy of the enigma, Agwambo Jakom Baba, lives on. Amen,” Kabando said.