Kalenjin Elders to Honour Raila Odinga with Rare Tribute of 80 Bulls

A delegation of Kalenjin elders and leaders is today visiting the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to offer condolences and honour his memory with a traditional tribute of 80 bulls.

The group, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, includes senior figures and cultural elders from the Rift Valley. Each bull symbolises a year of Odinga’s life, reflecting a rare and highly respected Kalenjin custom usually reserved for individuals of exceptional stature. 

The tribute highlights the deep respect held for the veteran leader and his role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape. Speaking ahead of the visit, Melly said the community was mourning a statesman who dedicated his life to national unity. 

“We are going there with a lot of sadness because we have lost a great leader who helped unite the country,” he said. “He worked well with Presidents Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru, and most recently with President William Ruto. His life was defined by service, resilience, and unity.”

Odinga died last Wednesday in India while receiving medical treatment. His passing has prompted widespread tributes from across the political spectrum, with President William Ruto declaring a seven-day period of national mourning. He will be laid to rest on Sunday.

The visit carries a wider message of reconciliation between the Kalenjin and Luo communities, whose political rivalry has long reflected broader ethnic divisions in the country. Melly described the gesture as a reaffirmation of friendship and unity. 

“We are taking the condolences of the Kalenjin community of about six million people. Raila was a real man, strong, courageous, and dedicated to the good of the nation,” he said.

In Kalenjin tradition, gifting bulls is a powerful symbol of peace and goodwill, extended only to those held in the highest regard. Offering this honour to a Luo leader is seen as a meaningful step in strengthening ties between the two communities. Nandi Hills MP Bernard Kitur, who is part of the delegation, said the visit reflects both respect for Odinga and a commitment to national cohesion. 

“We are extending the spirit of friendliness as a community to the family of Raila and to the Nyanza people during this difficult time,” he said.

The gesture also underscores the recent political cooperation between President Ruto and Odinga, which helped ease tensions between their communities.