Preparations for the Liedo ceremony at the late Raila Odinga’s Opoda Farm in Bondo kicked off on Thursday, marking a deeply symbolic transition within the Odinga family. The event officially installed Raila Odinga Jr as the new head of the household, following Luo customs that emphasize continuity, renewal, and respect for ancestry.
The Liedo rite, traditionally conducted about four days after a patriarch’s burial, represents the formal passing of leadership from the deceased to the next male heir. It is a key cultural ritual among the Luo community, symbolizing the end of mourning and the beginning of new authority within the homestead.
In this instance, Raila Odinga Jr assumed the role following the death of his elder brother, Fidel Odinga, in 2015. The ceremony was marked by vibrant Luo dancers, whose rhythmic songs and movements filled the compound with a sense of pride and remembrance.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic head-shaving ritual. According to tradition, the heir’s head is shaved to signify purification and a fresh start. The act is often performed by the eldest sister of the deceased, making three symbolic cuts before a complete shave. This cleansing ritual—once held near a river—has evolved to be performed at home while retaining its deep spiritual meaning.
After the ritual, Raila Jr was handed a spear and shield, performing a short traditional dance to officially assume leadership.
Beyond installation, Luo families continue to honour their elders through regular grave maintenance and remembrance ceremonies. These acts keep ancestral spirits at peace and strengthen family unity.
For the Luo community, death signifies not an end but a transition into the ancestral realm. Through ceremonies like Liedo, families ensure that leadership, legacy, and cultural identity continue to flow from one generation to the next.
