Symbolic shaving ceremony ushering Raila Jr into family leadership explained
The ceremony, known as liedo, marked Raila Junior’s formal recognition as the new head of the Odinga family, just four days after his father’s burial.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s only surviving son, Raila Junior, was ceremonially shaved on Thursday in a culturally significant rite held at the family’s home in Bondo.
Unlike his usual grooming in Nairobi’s upscale Kilimani or Karen neighbourhoods, this time the shaving took place in full view of family and clan members in a public ritual steeped in Luo tradition.
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The ceremony, known as liedo, marked Raila Junior’s formal recognition as the new head of the Odinga family, just four days after his father’s burial.
The rite symbolised the transfer of leadership within the homestead to the next male heir. It was characterised by Luo traditional dancers who jammed the compound in song and chants in an atmosphere of cultural pride and remembrance.
Raila Junior, seated, takes the helm of the Raila Odinga family. (Photo: James Orengo)
According to Luo customs, a succession ritual is performed approximately four days after the burial of a patriarch. Shaving is a mandatory part of the process before the heir can be installed.
Luo elder Odindo Yogo told The Eastleigh Voice that liedo involves the symbolic shaving of the deceased’s children and spouse, signifying the end of mourning and the beginning of new leadership.
"This is one of the most significant cultural ceremonies among our people. It's an abomination for a family to ignore it. The Odinga family have done what is right according to our culture," said Yoho.
Traditionally, the firstborn son would assume the role of family head. However, following the death of Fidel Odinga in 2015, Raila Junior became the natural successor.
Historically, the shaving ritual was performed near a river or other body of water, symbolising cleansing and renewal.
"The practice has, however, evolved in recent times, with families performing the ceremony at home while still maintaining its symbolism," explained Yogo.
During the rite, the heir’s head is shaved to represent the transfer of authority from the deceased to the living. The act is typically carried out by the eldest sister of the deceased, who makes three symbolic cuts before completing the shave in the presence of close relatives.
Raila Junior wields the traditional spear and shield after being crowned as the head of the Raila Odinga family. (Photo: James Orengo)
While the heir’s spouse and children are also traditionally expected to undergo the ritual, Raila’s brother, Oburu Odinga, suggested that Raila Junior’s wife may have had reservations.
Following the shaving, Raila Junior was handed a spear and shield and performed a brief traditional dance, symbolising his new role as the head of the household, a mandate to speak for, defend, and represent the family in extended clan gatherings.
The Odinga family, like many others in the Luo community, continues to honour the deceased through grave maintenance and remembrance ceremonies.
These are often held on anniversaries or during major family events, featuring offerings, songs, and communal feasts to preserve the elder’s memory and maintain peace within the lineage.
Among the Luo, death is not seen as the end of existence, but rather a transition into the ancestral realm.
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