Why Raila's family cannot keep cows gifted to them
Nyanza
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Nov 07, 2025
The late ODM leader Raila Odinga's family may be swimming in gifts as droves of mourners continue to stream at Opoda and Kango Ka Jaramogi to pay homage to the veteran politician but they may not be able to keep them.
Raila's family has recently been receiving hundreds of livestock from various mourners across all walks of life who continue to throng the homestead.
On Thursday, Wiper Democratic leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined the list of mourners who have visited the home with cattle. Kalonzo presented to the family of Raila a gift of 100 cows.
Prior to his visit, other leaders, including former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, a delegation from Rift Valley, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and a host of other leaders had also gifted the family with cattle. Some of the leaders had even painted the bulls with their names to separate them from others.
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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, 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.
Family sources indicate that most of the animals, including those brought by Mr. Musyoka, will be slaughtered during post-burial gatherings, while others may be sold to offset funeral-related costs.
But even as the donations continue, there have been unconfirmed reports that some of the donated animals may have been stolen. Thieves took advantage of the emotions and drove some of the animals out.
Sources close to the funeral committee hinted that a few cows went missing amid the heavy flow of delegations and livestock donations.
In Luo culture, sharing meat during funerals remains a deeply symbolic act of expressing unity, respect, and collective mourning.
Even as modernity shapes burial customs, elders insist that such traditions must be safeguarded to preserve the community’s identity and dignity.