MOMBASA, Kenya — Residents of Nyali in Mombasa County on Saturday held a feast in honour of the former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, celebrating his life and legacy through music, dance, and prayer.
The event, held in Mkomani, was marked by the slaughtering of a bull and the preparation of pilau, as hundreds of Odinga’s supporters gathered to pay tribute to a man they described as “a father of the nation.”
According to organisers, the ceremony was a symbolic version of tero buru, a Luo traditional ritual performed to honour the departed. The same rite was carried out at Odinga’s Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, following his burial.
“Because Raila loved Nyali people and brought us together, that is why we are going to feast together,” said Bangu Bangu, a Mkomani resident who oversaw the slaughtering of the bull, courtesy of the Said Abdalla Foundation. “Since we could not travel to Bondo, we had to perform a symbolic ritual here in Nyali, where Baba taught us to live in unity and harmony. We will mourn him until November 15.”
Raila’s portrait hung prominently on a wall as religious leaders led prayers before the crowd broke into Benga songs that praised his political journey and sacrifices.
Said Abdalla, patron of the Said Abdalla Foundation and one of Raila’s long-time allies in Mombasa, said the event was meant to give closure to supporters who were unable to attend the burial in Siaya.
“We thought it wise to give those Raila supporters who could not make it to Bondo a chance for closure. They requested that we do something to pacify them and make them feel included,” Abdalla said.
He urged residents to honour Odinga’s memory by upholding his values of peace, justice, and unity. “He taught us to speak up against injustices, and that is exactly what we will continue to do,” Abdalla added.
Residents described the ODM leader as a selfless patriot who sacrificed his personal ambitions for the country’s peace and democracy.
“Raila was the people’s president, and Kenya will never have another leader like him,” said Dennis Aduda, a Nyali resident. “He put his interests aside for the unity of the nation. We will also put ours aside and ensure we get the right leaders in 2027.”
Women from the area also hailed Odinga’s contribution to gender equality and empowerment. “He fought for the rights of women, and many of us have been empowered to lead because of him,” said Agnetta James.
Village elder Fatma Mapapa urged residents to carry forward Odinga’s message of peace and solidarity. “Let us live as he taught us — with peace, love, and unity,” she said.
Nyali resident Mwinyi Menza echoed the call for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying Raila would have wanted the party to remain strong. “It is like Baba told us to ensure ODM remains united. In 2027, it is either we be in government or we form government,” he said.
For many in attendance, the ceremony was both a farewell and a renewal of commitment to the ideals of the man they affectionately called “Baba.”
