Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka led Bukusu elders in presenting his portion of bulls to the family and performing rituals at the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The governor, while leading Bukusu elders, a Luhya sub-tribe domiciled in Bungoma and parts of Trans Nzoia, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, followed in the footsteps of other leaders from the region who had presented their portions of bulls earlier before Raila’s burial.

Dressed in traditional attire and carrying a spear and a shield, he, together with the elders, uttered a few words meant to appease the dead as they proceeded to the grave with the bulls leading the way.

They were accompanied by a separate group beating drums, an act also meant to appease the dead. Governor Lusaka was welcomed by Siaya Governor James Orengo and the spouse of the late former Prime Minister, Mama Ida Odinga, who accompanied him to the grave, where they held a solemn prayer led by one of the elders.

Reason for the visit

In a statement after the visit, the governor said that according to Bukusu customs, the third day, known as ‘lufu’, marks the final day of mourning and the time when the family claims debts left by the departed. He said this tradition informed his visit three days after the burial.

“In line with our Bukusu traditions, the third day after burial, known as 𝒍𝒖𝒇𝒖, marks the final day of mourning and the time when families settle and claim debts of the departed. “Today, I joined Bukusu elders and other mourners at Kango Kajaramogi to honour the late Rt Hon. Raila Odinga in this sacred 𝒍𝒖𝒇𝒖 (Teroburu) ceremony,” Lusaka said.

Bulls from Mulembe region

This comes at a time when the region appear divided, as leaders from Western Kenya have separately delivered bulls to the family.

The event was opened by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who set the stage. He was followed by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP–K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who presented his portion accompanied by a separate group of elders and leaders allied with him within the party.

Wamalwa also performed the same ritual while chanting “Jowi, Jowi”, meaning “buffalo”, a term that became prominent during the burial.

Eugene Wamalwa’s gesture was seen as a reciprocation of what the former Prime Minister did for his family during the death of his brother and former Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana in 2003, when Raila presented 15 cows to the family.

He was followed by Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who also presented his portion, accompanied by Bungoma gubernatorial aspirant Zachariah Barasa.

From Kakamega County, both Governor Fernandes Barasa and Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya presented their portion of 15 bulls along with 15 sacks of maize to be used during the funeral. During the burial day on Sunday, Oparanya defended his move, explaining that in his Isukha sub-tribe, such an event would not have taken place before the body of the late former Prime Minister arrived at his home.