Raila Odinga’s Death: Petition to Stop Burial of Former Prime Minister Lafika Kortini

A Kiluo elder doubts that the late Raila Odinga left for a while and set conditions to be buried within 72 hours
Michael Onyango filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi asking that the funeral scheduled for Sunday, October 19, be postponed until
Onyango argues that burying Raila within 72 hours will ease his community from mourning and give him the person he deserves

The High Court has refused to stop Raila’s burial as expected by Mjaluo who submitted an application to the court claiming that there is no witness account to confirm the claim that the ODM leader wanted to be buried within 72 hours.

The late Raila Odinga’s family beside his body at Kasarani Stadium. Photo: ODM Party
Source: Twitter

The complainant, Michael Onyango Otieno, claimed that the funeral would violate the traditions and customs of the Luo people, and chose the articles of the constitution.

“The plans do not take into account the status of the late Raila Odinga as a strong supporter of the traditions of the Luo community including things such as “tero yuak” which is very important in praying for people of Luo origin,” he said.

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In addition, he claimed that the burial of Raila within 72 hours would deprive his relatives of time to mourn and plan for a postponement with the respect commensurate with his status.

This, according to the petitioner, would be against Raila’s cultural rights.

“The body of the late Raila Amolo Odinga is quickly depriving the Luo community in Africa of the opportunity to give him a suitable message that he worshiped a lot in his 80 years of life, especially his life as a man and even as a beacon and political leader,” he said.

The plaintiff is not convinced that there is a will stating his request to be made within 72 hours.

He suggested that the mention of the will is on purpose to proceed with a quick burial, perhaps against Raila’s wishes, as there is no confirmation so far.

“His claim to be buried within 72 hours of his death has not been confirmed by any witnesses. This ignores the traditional mourning process and undermines Article 44 of the Constitution. This will be against Luo customs,” he said.

Onyango defied other famous people like the late Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai KibakiTom Mboya among others, sent their greetings in abundance without time constraints.