Raila Odinga Junior was on Thursday officially installed as the new head of the Odinga family in a traditional ceremony held at the family’s ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The vibrant event, filled with Luo cultural rites, music, and dance, came just days after the burial of his father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was laid to rest on Sunday.
According to Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, the ceremony marked the symbolic transfer of family leadership to the late ODM leader’s son.
“It is a cultural rite to bless and officially hand over leadership to the new head of the family,” said Dr. Oburu. “The shaving will be done by one of Junior’s grandmothers, after which he will receive and display the traditional instruments of authority.”
Family members, relatives, and community elders attended the ceremony, which featured traditional songs and dances. Raila Jr was presented with a traditional Luo shield and animal-skin cloak, symbolizing his new role as family patriarch.
In accordance with Luo customs, the eldest surviving son takes over family leadership following the father’s death. Raila Odinga Junior assumes this role after the passing of his elder brother, Fidel Castro Odinga, in 2015.
