Nyali residents conduct prayers for Raila
Odinga on Saturday / BRIAN OTIENO
They slaughtered a bull and made sumptuous pilau, feasting on it and dancing to Benga songs that praised former
Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Although the mourning period for the ODM
leader ended on Thursday, four days after he was buried, according to Luo
customs, his supporters in Mombasa’s Nyali subcounty said they will mourn him for a month.
“Because Raila loved Nyali people and put us
together. That's why we are going to feast together,” said Bangu Bangu, a
Mkomani resident, who slaughtered the bull, courtesy of the Said Abdalla
Foundation.
He said the slaughtering of the bull was
a symbolic gesture just like the traditional tero buru that was performed at Raila’s Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya
county, after his burial.
“Since we could not travel to Bondo, we had to
perform a symbolic ritual here in Nyali, where Baba taught us to live in unity
and harmony. We will mourn him until November 15,” Bangu Bangu said.
Religious leaders performed prayers as Raila’s
portrait hang on a perimeter wall.
Said Abdalla Foundation's patron, Said ‘Saido’
Abdalla, said although he sponsored four buses of supporters to Bondo, the
overwhelming requests meant not all could go to Bondo for Raila’s burial.
“We thought it wise to give those Raila supporters, who could not make it to Bondo a chance for closure. They requested that we do
something to pacify them and make them have closure because they were
disappointed they could not travel to Bondo,” he said.
Abdalla was one of Raila’s most trusted lieutenants
in Mombasa.
He urged Nyali residents to honour Raila’s
legacy by following his teachings and maintaining peace and unity without
letting human rights violations occur.
“He taught us to speak up against injustices and
that is exactly what we will do,” Abdalla said.
Resident Dennis Aduda said Raila was the people’s president and Kenya will never ever get another selfless leader like
him.
“He left us at a time when we needed him the
most,” he said.
Aduda said Nyali will lead the way in following the
teachings of Raila.
“He put his self-interests aside for the sake of peace and unity of the country. We will also put our selfish interests
aside and ensure we get the right leaders in 2027 starting here in Nyali,”
he said.
“He has been Baba to us as Nyali people. His
example should be emulated by everyone across the globe,” Aduda said.
Resident Agnetta James said Raila fought
for the rights of women, who have now been empowered to lead the country.
“Many of our colleagues were lucky to have gotten
a chance to go and bury Baba in Bondo. We did not. So, this is our way of
mourning and celebrating him at the same time,” James said.
Resident Francis Mwanzia said Nyali will
follow in the footsteps of Raila.
“Just as he stood for justice, we will not
allow anyone to trample on our rights and freedoms,” he said.
Village elder Fatma Mapapa urged residents
to honour Raila’s legacy by preaching peace, love and unity.
Mwinyi Menza said Raila would love it when
ODM remains united.
“It is like Baba talked to us before he died and
asked us to ensure ODM remains strong and united. In 2027, it is either we be
in government or we form government,” Menza said.
Instant Analysis:
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga died on October
15, while receiving treatment in India. His death has thrown his party ODM and the
whole country in disarray politically. Already, there is infighting in ODM over
how the party should move forward.
