Oburu Announces Raila's Death in Bondo

The home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Kenya, has become the focal point for mourning following his death in India. Senato...

The home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Kenya, has become the focal point for mourning following his death in India. Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila's brother, has taken on a central role in the initial proceedings, adhering to Luo traditions and paving the way for the community to pay their respects.

Oburu Oginga's Role in Traditional Mourning

Senator Oburu's arrival at the Bondo residence signifies the formal commencement of mourning. In Luo tradition, this process, known as 'tero ywak pacho,' translates to "taking the cry home." As the eldest son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Oburu is responsible for officially opening his brother's home to mourners, informing the clan, elders, and Raila's peers of their loss, and initiating the logistical planning for the funeral.

His presence involves a series of critical actions:

• Official Announcement: While Mama Ida Odinga would typically be the one to make the formal announcement, time constraints necessitated Oburu stepping into this role.
• Community Engagement: Oburu is tasked with informing the community and the funeral planning committee about the arrangements for the burial.
• Family Consultation: He has been seen holding meetings with relatives, peers, extended family members, and elders to coordinate the mourning process.
• House Opening: He is essentially opening the house of his brother to mourners and telling the clan, elders, and Raila's peers that they have a funeral, they have lost a son, and the logistical steps that follow.

National and International Tributes

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, passed away in India where he was receiving medical treatment. His death has elicited condolences and tributes from leaders worldwide, business figures, and countless citizens who acknowledge his significant contributions to the advancement of multiparty democracy, devolution, and governance reforms in Kenya.

Heightened Security Measures

In the wake of Raila Odinga's death, security has been significantly increased at both his Nairobi and Bondo homes to ensure a peaceful and orderly burial, scheduled for Sunday.

• Preventing Unrest: Police authorities have expressed concerns about potential disruptions among mourners, prompting the enhanced security measures.
• Addressing Harassment: Reports of mourners being harassed and robbed by criminal elements exploiting the situation have further fueled the need for increased security.
• Roadblocks and Deployment: In Nairobi, police have established roadblocks leading to Odinga's home. The National Security Council, chaired by President William Ruto, convened and mandated the deployment of additional security personnel.
• Complaints of Harassment: Several individuals have reported instances of harassment and robbery by opportunistic criminals taking advantage of the large gatherings.

Security Breaches and Revised Plans

The arrival of Odinga's body from India on Thursday was marred by chaotic scenes in Nairobi, with mourners breaching security perimeters, leading to revisions in the original funeral arrangements.

• Airport Incident: A major security breach occurred at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) when large crowds of mourners and motorcycle taxi operators (boda boda riders) gained unauthorized access to the State Pavilion during the arrival of the body.
• Parliament Viewing Cancelled: Plans for a public viewing of the body at Parliament Buildings were canceled due to the overwhelming size of the crowd.
• Lee Funeral Home Security: Security was also heightened at Lee Funeral Home following reports of a security breach. Consequently, plans to briefly hold the body there were abandoned, and it was instead transported directly to Kasarani.
• Airspace Closure: The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) temporarily closed the airspace over JKIA to facilitate enhanced security rescreening operations following the arrival of the remains. This closure, lasting from 10:26 a.m. to 12:26 p.m., resulted in the diversion of seven flights.