The body of former Prime Minister and ODM Leader Raila Amolo Odinga arrived at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, Saturday, October 18 evening ahead of his burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19.

The burial service will be held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), approximately 5.7 kilometres from Opoda Farm. Thereafter, his remains will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, beside his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

According to the family, the interment ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, located about 5.5 kilometres from the university, will be a private affair attended by close family members and a few invited guests.

Earlier today, leaders from across the country and beyond arrived in Bondo to condole with the Odinga family. Among those who paid their respects were COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, King Nabongo Peter Mumia II, several governors, and senior government officials.

In her brief address, Mama Ida Odinga urged Kenyans to remain peaceful and to accord her late husband a dignified and honorable send-off befitting his legacy.

Elders led by Radier Onyango have announced plans to perform Tero Buru, a Luo cleansing ritual traditionally conducted to chase away evil spirits following the burial of a loved one.

According to the elders, the ceremony will take place immediately after Raila Odinga’s body is lowered into the grave at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, following the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.

They said the ritual is an important cultural tradition meant to restore peace and spiritual balance within the homestead after the burial.