A delegation from the Kikuyu Council of Elders, led by Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki, on Wednesday paid a heartfelt visit to the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at their Opoda home in Bondo, Siaya County. The visit was marked by solemn prayers, cultural rituals, and the symbolic offering of bulls gestures underscoring peace, respect, and the spirit of national unity.
The elders were warmly received by Dr. Ida Odinga and Raila Junior, who welcomed them to the family compound with gratitude and grace. The atmosphere at Opoda was one of reflection and reconciliation, as leaders from different communities came together to honor the legacy of a man widely regarded as a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic journey.
Speaking during the visit, MP Kariuki described Raila Odinga as a statesman whose political life was defined by his commitment to peace and nation-building. He emphasized that the late leader consistently prioritized the country’s stability over personal or political gain.
“We are here to mourn a great leader. Raila Odinga had many opportunities to let this country disintegrate, but he never misused those opportunities,” Kariuki said. “Every time he faced a critical juncture, he chose unity and used those moments to bring Kenyans together.”
The event also saw the Kikuyu Council of Elders sign the visitors’ book, marking what many viewed as a symbolic renewal of inter-ethnic trust. Their gesture, coming months after Raila’s passing, was widely seen as a message of healing and solidarity in a country often divided along political and ethnic lines.
As traditional prayers filled the serene Bondo air, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Raila’s lifelong message one of reconciliation, unity, and an unwavering belief in Kenya’s shared destiny.
