Nuru Okanga honours Raila through a symbolic clean razor shave
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 7, 2025Nuru Okanga, an ardent supporter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has shaved his head with a razor blade in honour of his late political father.
The shaving exercise was performed by his wife, Melab Okanga, on Friday, November 7, 2025, at their rural home in Kholera Ward, Kakamega County. Nuru Okanga stated that he was doing so to honour his political mentor, whom he credits for the political influence and recognition he enjoys today.
Hair shaving
This act aligns with Luo and Luhya traditions, where the bereaved shave their hair to signify the end of the mourning period. A similar ritual was performed for Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior, who was shaved by one of his grandmothers on the fourth day after the burial of the late prime minister.
According to Siaya Senator and newly installed ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga, the gesture was symbolic, marking the family’s readiness to resume their normal activities, including men reuniting with their wives.
Nuru Okanga appeared deeply affected by the news of Raila Odinga’s passing. He was seen wailing at the nation house in the Central Bussiness District (CBD), where he was joined by many Kenyans mourning the late leader. He later collapsed and was rushed to a health facility for resuscitation.
After the burial, Nuru Okanga expressed dissatisfaction with how the late Prime Minister was laid to rest, particularly the decision to bury him with his fly whisk and hat, and without loosening his tie.
According to Wanga traditions, which Okanga hails from, burying a person with a tied neckwear is taboo as it is believed to choke the deceased.
Okanga’s displeasure with Raila’s burial
Okanga further claimed that the late Raila Odinga appeared to him in a dream, expressing discomfort with the items buried alongside him. He stated that the late leader wanted his hat and fly whisk retrieved, prompting Okanga to vow to file a petition under a banner named “Raila Is Still Breathing Movement”, aimed at retrieving the items.
This also comes just days after Nuru Okanga led a delegation from his area to Opoda Farm, where they paid tribute to the late leader and presented guinea fowls as a condolence gesture to his family.
Political fanaticism has often been seen as a factor behind the rise of many political figures from humble beginnings to national recognition, and Nuru Okanga stands as one of the most prominent examples of this phenomenon.
Nuru Okanga has also organised a football tournament in his Kholera ward as a way of honouring the late leader.