How Raila Odinga's grave site has become pilgrimage

It is a loss that will take Kenyans and his multitude of allies across the world time to heal from. Some claim they may not be able to even heal for the foreseeable future.

If wishes were horses, the pilgrimage of visitors thronging his grave  would whisper life back to the celebrated late ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Today, as the clock ticks memories away after he was buried more than three weeks ago, mourners are still stuck in pain, visiting his grave every day in their numbers. The site has turned into a major pilgrimage site and an iconic place in the country's history.

The Standard has established that the itinerary for the visit is full, and more are expected to visit the place beyond December 31st.

But that is only half the story. Nearly all the mourners are not coming empty-handed. They are mourning a man they cherished in style. 

From bunches of bananas and baskets of fruits to herds of cattle as well as antique items, souvenirs, and traditional items, Kenyans from all walks of life have been making their way to Opoda Farm and Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister.

The Odinga's homestead has since transformed into what many now call Kenya’s political shrine, as citizens, political leaders, and delegations converge, each carrying tokens of respect for the man whose political life shaped Kenya’s democratic journey for more than four decades.

From the minute gifts of farm produce to live animals, each offering tells a story of gratitude, political admiration, and deep personal connection to a man who, for many, symbolized resilience, hope, and defiance against injustice.

It is a script of love that continues to replay since the day the man who was loved by people across all walks of life.

As the days went by, the homestead turned into a steady stream of mourners bearing gifts that reflected Kenya’s diversity, from the highlands of Murang’a to the plains of Narok, from the slopes of Mt. Elgon to the shores of Lake Victoria.

On Friday, former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, who also leads the Usawa Kwa Wote Party, gifted the Odinga family a dairy cow that Mama Ida Odinga vowed to keep. The handover took place in the presence of Siaya Governor James Orengo, with the animal named “Min Piny" ( Mother of the Nation).

The gesture celebrated Mama Ida not just as Mr Odinga's spouse, but as a matriarch whose quiet resilience supported Kenya’s longest opposition journey.

Earlier, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had led a delegation that arrived with 100 cows, saying it was a show of respect and solidarity with a comrade he had walked with for decades.

Leaders from across the political divide also brought gifts of goats, sheep, and money, while local farmers and fishmongers brought the produce of their hands: bananas, maize, and fish from Lake Victoria.

The late Odinga's diehard supporter Nuru Okanga caught the attention of many mourners when he gifted Mama Ida two Guinea fowls and a cockrell.

Since the burial, thousands continue to stream into Bondo, not just to mourn, but to witness history.

Kang’o, already a national monument for housing the grave of Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, now carries the remains of his equally iconic son.

For the past two weeks, the two homes glow with soft hymns as groups pray, sing, or simply stand silently before the twin graves.

Governor Orengo said Jaramogi Museum and Mausoleum are ay plans are part of Kenya’s political heritage circuit.

"With this, this homestead is fast tiring into one of Africa’s most significant political memorials," said Orengo.

Earlier in the week, the calm air at Opoda Farm in was filled with the melodies of violins and flutes as the Gersthofen Youth Orchestra from Germany played a soulful tribute in honour of the late opposition leader.

Led by Mayor Michael Wörle, the visiting delegation performed classical pieces and traditional Luo melodies, their instruments carrying a message of friendship and solidarity that transcended borders.

Before the performance, the delegation visited Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where they paid their respects and offered condolences to the Odinga family.

Observers have described the visit as one of the most touching international gestures since the former opposition leader's passing, reflecting the depth of his global influence and the moral weight of his political journey.

Similarly, a group of elders from the Rift Valley also gifted the family with 80 cows. While some have brought large herds of cattle, others have tucked hens, sheep, and goats as a show of gratitude to the man whose demise has left cross-generations heartbroken.

However, in keeping with Luo tradition, the animals will not be kept by the family. Elders say such livestock are 'dhog kayiem' (condolence offerings) meant to be slaughtered to feed mourners or sold to meet funeral expenses.

“The cows are symbolic of compassion in grief. They belong to the spirit of the departed, not to the household. It would be taboo to keep them for personal gain," explained Odida Buoga, a Luo elder from Bondo.

He added that any attempt to retain such animals is considered a breach of custom that could invite misfortune.

"The community expects that these offerings serve their purpose of honouring the deceased and feed the mourners,” he said.

Among the guests who have come with dozens of cows are Mulembe leaders, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, and Langata MP Felix Odiwuor, among others.

Apart from the donations, Opoda is an expansive farm with cows, goats, sheep, and poultry, with people taking care of them.

A funeral committee has been coordinating the handling of all livestock donated under the guidance of the family.

A member of the committee told Sunday Standard that they have been slaughtering about three bulls every day to provide food for the several visitors who have been visiting the home.