Former second liberation fighter Wafula Buke has announced that he, together with Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, will lead the delivery of 20 bulls from Luhya land to the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the funeral feast.

In a statement shared on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Buke revealed that the gesture is meant to reciprocate what Raila Odinga did years ago during the funeral of the late Vice President Wamalwa Kijana, when he delivered an equal number of bulls to the Bukusu community as part of the funeral meals.

“Under the leadership of Eugene Wamalwa, we shall today be delivering bulls to Raila Odinga‘s home as “vegetables” for visitors. This practice has a long history between our Lulu (Luo luhya) communities.” Buke said.

Buke explained that the move symbolises the deep cultural and historical ties between the Luo and Luhya communities, often referred to as the “Lulu” bond. He noted that this act of solidarity mirrors the respect and unity that leaders from both sides have shown in times of loss.

He traced the origins of the tradition back to the days of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Masinde Muliro, whose relationship, though politically strained, was marked by profound mutual respect. Buke recalled how, following the assassination of Tom Mboya in 1969, Masinde Muliro personally led a convoy of lorries carrying maize and gifts to comfort the Mboya family, mourning his political rival in deep Bukusu mourning regalia.

“The guy mourned Mboya more than any dignitary, shedding tears and speaking to Mboya in Kiluhya. “I told you these people were going to kill you, but you never listened to me.” “Mboya, you are very stupid. Look at what you have done to your wife and children. Woi! Woi!” Late Jotham Nyukuri narrated to me. “he added

Wamalwa Kijana’s funeral

Similarly, after the death of Wamalwa Kijana in 2003, Raila Odinga travelled to Kitale with ten bulls, dressed in full Luo mourning regalia, carrying a spear, and paying his last respects in a traditional ritual.

According to Buke, Raila’s act at the time demonstrated maturity, forgiveness, and a deep understanding of African brotherhood that transcends politics.

Buke expressed disappointment that some Bukusu leaders back then denied Raila a chance to speak during Wamalwa’s funeral, describing it as an unfortunate show of hostility despite the gesture of peace and respect.

He emphasised that this time, under the leadership of Eugene Wamalwa, the Bukusu community will come together to mourn Raila Odinga in the spirit of unity and cultural reciprocity.