Inside the Luo cultural doctrine of burying an elder like Raila

In the Luo cultural tradition, burial rites are conducted in cognizance of the community's strong belief in life after death.

According to a cultural book called "Luo Kitgi Gi Timbegi" that was written by former Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Paul Mboya, one of the community's foremost culturalists, the Luo carefully observe burial rituals during the mourning and burial of a dignified member of the community.

In line with Luo tradition, an elder is mourned for three days. During this period, various cultural undertakings are conducted to mark the celebration of the life and times of the community's fallen elder.

According to Mzee Ogongo Oyano, a Luo elder from the Nyakach clan in Nyakach Sub-County, the news of the death of a Luo elder is broken by his first wife, who goes wailing to inform the community of the passing of their patriarch.

Another elder, Jotham Ondu alias Ajiki Koth Yamo, adds that the news was done in the evening hours when the sun was just about to set, regardless of the time of the elder's death.

"The news of the death of an elder, 'Golo ywak, ' is broken in the evening hours, even if he dies in the morning, people would just be informed, but they must stay calm until evenin,g when they can officially begin the mourning because that was the time set aside for the mourning of a Luo elder to begin."

Ajiki said that the notable cultural practice to be observed was that the news was to be broken from the first wife's hut, "Od Mikayi".

However, in the case of Raila's death, the news was broken by his elder brother Oburu Oginga, the family spokesperson of the Jaramogi Oginga's family.

Oburu, who is also Odinga's elder brother, arrived at Raila's Opoda farm at exactly 4 pm on Thursday and thereafter headed to the house where short prayers were conducted.

This was the first time Mr Odinga's door was opened since he was pronounced dead on Wednesday.

Since Wednesday, no one was allowed to enter Mr Odinga's house as mourners were only allowed within the compound.

Oburu, who was received by an emotional crowd, said they had to change part of the programme after Mr Odinga's supporters overwhelmed them.

"We had to adjust the burial day from Saturday to Sunday in order to fulfil my brother's wish of being buried within 72 hours," said Oburu.

According to Oburu, Mr Odinga wrote his will but he did not know that he would die outside the country.

Oburu, who addressed the gathering in Opoda, left for Kan'go, where he identified the burial spot for his brother.

According to Mzee Nyandiko Ongadi, a Luo elder from Homabay County, it was possible for a Luo elder to die away from his home, and in such events, the body of the elder was required to be repatriated back into his home as fast as possible through his gate.

"When a Luo Elder dies out of his home, he's to be brought home as soon as possible. He should be brought home through his gate then he's taken to his house with his first wife." Nyandiko said.

As the body was being brought, traditional Luo mourning rituals, including cultural dances, wailing by women, performance of the dirge "Sigweya" by the elders as well as a mock fight among the community's warrior would be witnessed.

The cultural acts he adds, continued as the body arrived in the compound where it's placed for a while inside the first wife's house before being removed outside for the community members to view it and pay their last respects to the fallen Community hero.

Tero Buru, which happens either three days after his burial or on a later date agreed by the community, was meant to drive the spirit of death from the community as far a way as possible.

"Three days after the burial, mourners converge again at the elder's home for the tero buru ceremony. This ceremony however, could be done even after a month. It's an occasion to chase away the bad spirits of death from the land."Ajiki said.

On their return after tero buru, animals such as goats and bulls were slaughtered to be eaten by the community members in respect of the fallen elder.