- Family and friends of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga would mourn him for more than seven days, despite his burial
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, David Osiany hinted at the reason why the former politician wished to be buried within 72 hours
- He also explained the reasons for the extended mourning and what is expected during the period
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The mourning period for former prime minister Raila Odinga may go well beyond the seven days declared by President William Ruto, in line with Luo cultural traditions.
Source: Getty Images
Traditionally, the Luo community observes extended mourning, burying elders after not less than two weeks, while infants and younger children are laid to rest within four days.
However, modern practices have shifted due to the growing importance of respecting personal wills.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉
In Raila’s case, he had requested to be buried within 72 hours—a decision that accelerated funeral arrangements and, according to close allies, limited the time for proper mourning.
Despite the expedited burial, Raila will still be mourned in accordance with Luo customs.
Did Raila’s burial wish affect his friends?
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, former deputy minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, David Osiany, a close ally of Raila, confirmed that mourning will continue beyond the formal ceremonies.
He noted that Raila’s 72-hour burial wish was a calculated decision, considering his national influence.
“It was a good thing that he asked to be buried within 72 hours because the country would have been stuck. Burial brings closure and ushers in a new chapter—but he also robbed us of a chance to mourn him properly. That was a very short time,” Osiany said.
Having known Raila since his university days, Osiany described the loss as deeply personal, recalling shared moments at weddings and family gatherings.
How did Osiany receive news of Raila’s death?
The former deputy minister learnt of Raila’s passing from a mutual friend abroad while returning from a morning run. The news left him devastated.
“The gentleman called and said, ‘David, I’m sorry—you’ve lost your icon.’ I froze. I knew Baba was unwell, but I didn’t expect him to die so soon. It was messy at home. I was inconsolable,” he recalled.
The last time Osiany spoke with Raila was after the burial of his uncle, former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno.
Source: Facebook
Just days before, Osiany had reached out to Raila’s bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, hoping to join Raila briefly during a planned trip to Dubai. That meeting never happened.
In one emotional tribute, Osiany led government officials, ODM leaders, and friends in singing Raila’s favourite song aboard a plane.
Though the mood was upbeat, he revealed that it was Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, who encouraged him to stay strong.
“She urged me to be strong and cheer up a bit—we had mourned Baba since his passing,” he said, adding that it was also a way of comformting Raila’s personal doctor who unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate him.
How long will Luos mourn Raila Odinga?
According to Osiany, mourning Raila will continue for years, with the traditional 40-day period marking a significant phase of reflection and remembrance.
“Mourning won’t end. Some will take months while others will take years to adapt to Baba’s absence. But by tradition, it takes at least 40 days to reflect on the man he was. We’ll visit the family, share memories, sing his songs, and remind people why we must walk in Raila’s footsteps. From now until the end of next month, friends, including those at the presidential level, will still be streaming in.”
Source: Facebook
What else you need to know about Raila Odinga’s death
Source: TUKO.co.ke
