- A delegation of Kikuyu elders led by Ndia MP George Kariuki visited Raila Odinga’s Opoda farm in Bondo to pay their respects
- The gesture erased the animosity between the Kikuyu and Jaluo communities, long separated by political rivalry and historical mistrust.
- Kariuki described Raila as a great man, saying his commitment to justice and equality will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
- The elders said their visit fulfilled a cultural obligation to honor the departed leader, thus marking a rare moment of reconciliation.
A delegation of Agikuyu elders from Mount Kenya, led by Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki, has visited the Opoda farm in Bondo to pay tribute to the late former prime minister. Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
The visit was a symbol of unity and respect, with the elders carrying nine bulls to offer to Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odingaand Odinga’s extended family.
The move showed deep cultural appreciation and the message of national unity following the death of the veteran opposition leader.
Kariuki, who is the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Roads and Transport, described Raila as a prominent figure in Kenya’s democratic journey.
He said the legacy of the late ODM leader will continue to be rooted in generations that value justice, equality and freedom.
“We have come to offer our condolences to Mama Ida and Odinga’s family. I have been joined by senior elders from all the counties in the Central region,” Kariuki explained.
The delegation included representatives from Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Laikipia, NakuruNairobi, Lamu, Kirinyaga and Kikuyu living abroad.
Why is the visit of Kikuyu elders a sign?
Their presence in Bondo once again highlights a rare moment of regional unity, bridging the historical, political and cultural divisions between the Jaluo and Kikuyu communities.
For decades, political relations between the Jaluo and Kikuyu communities have often been characterized by competition at the national level.
However, in this time of mourning, the appearance of Kikuyu elders in Raila’s compound represents a symbolic healing of long-standing political and ethnic divisions.
Kariuki said their visit was guided by the traditional duty of the elders to honor the departed leader who sacrificed his life for democratic change in the country.
“I had gone to the state funeral, but we needed to go back with our elders according to our culture. Because of the time during the funeral, we postponed the visit until today so that there would be respect and prepared to say goodbye to Raila,” he explained.
The journey of the Kikuyu elders to Bondo comes during the official period of seven days of national mourning announced in honor of Raila.
Source: UGC
Kariuki said their visit was guided by the traditional duty of the elders to honor the departed leader who sacrificed his life for democratic change in the country.
“I had gone to the state funeral, but we needed to go back with our elders according to our culture. Because of the time during the funeral, we postponed the visit until today so that there would be respect and prepared to say goodbye to Raila,” he explained.
What memory did Uhuru leave at Raila’s grave?
As previously reported, the former president Uhuru Kenyatta paid a private visit to the grave of his longtime friend and political ally, Raila, a day after his burial.
At the family grave in Bondo, Siaya County, Uhuru joined Odinga’s close family members, standing in front of Raila’s grave.
He remained silent, showing a palpable sadness in the quiet environment. During the visit, he signed a book of condolence, while paying respect to Raila and promising to visit them often.
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