Bondo, Siaya County — A powerful wave of solidarity continues to sweep across the nation as Kenyans unite to honour the life and legacy of Raila Amollo Odinga, the late former Prime Minister and iconic opposition leader.
In a symbolic and emotional gesture, leaders from the Rift Valley region arrived in Bondo bearing 80 bulls — each representing one year of the late statesman’s remarkable life.
The grand procession of delegations, livestock, and mourners to Opoda Farm—Raila’s ancestral home—was a sight of unity, respect, and reverence. The bulls were presented to the Odinga family as part of the traditional and cultural expressions of condolence that have characterized the mourning period.
A Tribute Marked in Bulls and Brotherhood
Hundreds of leaders, politicians, and ordinary Kenyans have continued to troop to Bondo to pay their last respects. The Rift Valley governors’ delegation, led by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, made one of the most significant contributions.
“We handed over 80 bulls to the family of the Late Rt Honourable Raila Odinga at Opoda Farm, Bondo, in Siaya County. The 80 bulls signify the years Baba lived in this world. In Hebrew, the number 80 also represents the divine spark of God within the soul,”
— Governor Wisley Rotich.
The gesture captured the spirit of national unity that Raila Odinga championed throughout his political life—bringing together communities that were once divided along ethnic and political lines.
Nationwide Support Ahead of Sunday Burial
Delegations from across Kenya—including leaders from the Coast, Central, Nyanza, and Eastern regions—have been converging in Bondo since the announcement of Raila’s passing.
The outpouring of gifts and livestock offerings mirrors the late ODM leader’s stature as a pan-Kenyan statesman and symbol of struggle for democracy and justice.
Raila Odinga is set to be laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, at his ancestral home, in a ceremony expected to draw thousands of mourners and international dignitaries.
A Legacy Beyond Politics
The 80 bulls delivered from the Rift Valley are more than just a tribute—they are a powerful symbol of respect for a man who inspired both admiration and debate in equal measure.
For many, the offering represents reconciliation and shared respect between regions that have often found themselves on opposite sides of Kenya’s political divide.
As the country prepares to bid farewell to one of its most consequential leaders, Raila Odinga’s message of unity, democracy, and hope continues to echo across valleys and villages alike.
