Raila’s grave becomes political pilgrimage site as leaders vie for his legacy

Laying to rest a loved one is usually the most painful and last stage of parting ways with those who have died.

Usually, little or no activities take place around gravesides for those who have departed, even for high-ranking dignitaries in Kenya and beyond. However, it is clearly different for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose burial took place a week ago.

It all began with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who visited Raila's grave a day after his burial at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

The visit coincided with President William Ruto’s announcement in Kitui, where he posthumously awarded Raila Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.

A rare fete not even seen with presidents or other dignitaries who have passed away, Raila’s graveside is fast becoming a pilgrimage site that may soon be receiving visitors all the time.

Political analyst and communications strategist Mark Bichachi told The Eastleigh Voice that politicians still want to be in Raila’s good books even in death because of the need for their political longevity.

“He still carried the power to anoint the next leader. Being seen to be in Raila’s good books even in death is a boon for any politician within ODM zones,” said Bichachi.

Professor Macharia Munene, a specialist in Diplomacy, Geopolitics and Foreign Relations, said the visits are mostly political power play or gamesmanship. With the ODM Party already deeply split, according to him, the desire to appear as the true heir to the Raila legacy and to inherit his political base is big.

“Uhuru started it by remaining behind to grieve his "ndugu" when all the others had gone. He probably wondered who he would be drinking 'uji' with. Uhuru's action stimulated hyperactivities as other politicians tried to play catch-up, thinking there was political mileage to be made by appearing to pay homage to Raila's grave,” noted Munene.

He explained further that the politicians are turning Raila's grave into a shrine for political purposes; each needs to be seen grieving at Raila's grave and making statements of solidarity, even as they castigate perceived rivals.

Several leaders who were present during Raila’s burial have been trooping back with delegations and goodies to the family. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Siaya’s James Orengo and Simba Arati of Kisii are among the leaders who have since visited the home of Raila in Bondo to condole with his family following his burial.

The leaders have visited Kang’o ka Jaramogi in a show of solidarity with the family and close allies still mourning the veteran politician’s death.

Governor Orengo, who was accompanied by his wife, Betty Murungi, said the period after burial often carries the deepest grief and called for continued support to the bereaved family.

“Losing a loved one sinks even deeper after the burial; it’s in these quiet moments that the bereaved need our comfort the most,” Orengo said.

“Together with Betty, we took time to visit the Odinga family—Mama Ida Odinga, Dr Oburu Oginga, and Ruth Odinga. Raila Odinga was a mighty tree under whose shade many found shelter. His legacy will forever stand tall.”

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Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister, confirmed the visit, saying the family was deeply moved by the continued show of friendship and loyalty.

“Today, we welcomed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Siaya Governor James Orengo, among other friends and relatives, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, as they came to commiserate with our family following the burial of our beloved statesman, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga,” she said.

Political analyst Samuel Owida said Raila’s ability to cultivate a cultic following while alive has earned him unquestionable loyalty and love even in death. Owida believes that Raila’s political constituency is so huge that there could be few or no politicians with such across the continent.

“The one-word enigma means Raila's other Luo name Agwambo. The name depicts a mystery, danger and a miracle...with his sense of pragmatism and rare courage, he developed his constituents into fanatic disciples. He stood for the welfare of all in all aspects of reality, but with a sense of fairness and justice to the downtrodden. There's no known human character exhibiting such a constituency of followers even in Africa,” said Owida.

Political commentator Kazungu Katana believes that Raila was not just a politician but someone who embodied an idea. “He's physically no more, but his idea of a just society lingers on. Even in death, some politicians want to be associated with him, in part, because in the 2027 General Election, Raila's shadow shall still linger in the air. A mugumo tree doesn't fall in a day; it has deep roots.”