Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma led delegations of Luhyia elders drawn from various sub-tribes to pay tribute to late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who passed on while undergoing treatment in India.

Speaking to the press after delivering 15 bulls and 15 bags of maize to the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Governor Natembeya said the gesture is a “humble token” of deep appreciation for Raila’s “monumental contribution” to the nation, especially his lifelong pursuit of justice, democracy and unity among all communities.

“Raila was an icon as a political father who nurtured leaders across generations and championed the bond between the Luhya and Luos as one big family.  To Right Hon Raila, unity remains his clarion call across the nation,” Natembeya said.

The sentiments were echoed by Governor Otuoma who described Raila as a selfless leader who sacrificed his peace and family time for the sake of the nation. The two governors remembered Raila for the multiparty democracy space and his bold stand on devolution.

“At this moment when we mourn our hero Raila, I reaffirm my commitment to carry forward his vision, working hand in hand with like-minded leaders, to fulfil his dream of a united, prosperous country and spirit of nationalism,” said Natembeya.

“On this eve of the burial of our iconic leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, I had the honour of leading a delegation of elders and political leaders from Busia County to mourn our departed statesman at his rural home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, Siaya County,” Governor Otuoma said.

He added, noting that, “We did it the best way we know – Luhya-style. In our tradition, we mourn a great leader through cultural expressions of respect and solidarity. We brought along cattle, a powerful symbol of honour, unity and lasting friendship, to be slaughtered and shared among mourners during this solemn moment.”

Earlier, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, sent a gift of bulls to Raila’s ancestral home in Opoda Farm. The gesture, steeped in cultural tradition, underscored solidarity from Mudavadi and the wider Mulembe community during the nation’s mourning of Raila’s passing on.

For the Luhya community, sending bulls carried deep symbolic meaning. In traditional practice, livestock gifts signify honour, respect and shared mourning.

Raila, who died on October 15 at the age of 80, has been mourned as a towering statesman whose career was defined by his fight for multiparty democracy, social justice, and constitutional reform.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Absalom Namwalo and Calvin Otieno

Delegations from Busia, Vihiga and Trans Nzoia counties, visiting Raila’s home in Bondo, to pay tribute.