Inside the Luo cultural doctrine of burying an elder like Raila

Mourners gather at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mausoleum in Nyamira Kango village in Bondo, the burial site of former prime minister Raila Amollo Odinga on October 17, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

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.