By Anderson Ojwang
On Thursday was a historic and defining moment for the Raila Amolo Odinga family.
It marked the fourth day after his burial and the end of the mourning period, but also the day of the family heir apparent.
But the day opened the lid to a can of what the future could probably hold for the home of history.
Unique and significant events emerged that were the tip of the iceberg of what may unfold in the family in the near future.
While Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Odinga, who is also the chairman of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, presided over the installation ceremony, his son Jaoko Oburu, heir apparent to his throne, was away addressing Bunge La Wanainchi in Kisumu and Nairobi respectively.
At the ceremony, a unique incident occurred after Junior had been given the spear and the shield, robed, and had the traditional cap worn on his head, and then asked to appease the spirit.
Just as he stood up and started appeasing the spirits, the traditional cap fell down and, at the same time, the fly whisk also fell from the hand of the elder who was installing Junior.
This was a remarkable moment during the ceremony and has a deep meaning in the traditional African context.
Jaoko, who read Raila’s eulogy during the national prayers at Nyayo National Stadium, but the onus was later given to nominated councillor Anyango, younger sister to Raila, during the burial in Bondo.
According to Luo culture and practices, Jaoko and other junior siblings, cousins, and relatives were all expected to converge to witness the important ceremony.
“I received a call from one member of the group, one Jonah, and they invited me to come and mourn with them.
They wanted to condole with me. I have also come to condole with them too.
I feel the pain. Raila was loved across the board. I was among those who went to India to repatriate the body of Raila.
My father has also sent his greetings. Kindly receive them. Nobody believed Raila would die.
When I left Bondo, I first met my brothers from Kisumu. We sat and discussed with them.
I told my father, let me go talk to our brothers; we mourn with them. I left Bondo and said I had to be here so that we can sit together.
We should sit here and talk about Baba. I will also engage the university fraternity and have a conversation.
Jaramogi loved me. I was one of the few grandchildren he loved most. He used to walk with me around.
You know, I can join a crowd and you will not know it is Jaoko. We are simple people.
I remember what Raila told me before he died. I am wondering if he knew he was going to die.
He told me, ‘Jaoko, I have given you employment in the government. Don’t sleep there; create networks across the board.
My office is open to all. Empowerment targets the youth. That is my work, and I work to ensure youths are empowered. This is my card; you can reach me,’” he said.
Jaoko was appointed the County Executive Committee Member for Roads during the last Governor Cornel Rasanga regime.
Winnie Odinga has been the pillar in Raila’s political journey and a close confidant. Raila introduced her to both his political associates and friends.
At her father’s burial, she baffled everyone when she called Ajiki to come and eulogise the deceased with a dirge before she could speak. This was Raila’s trend in all his functions in Nyanza.
In all meetings with Luo MPs, Winnie would accompany Raila and even told them that in his absence, she would want to represent him.
Winnie said, “I saw my father die in my arms. I was with him in India all the time. He died a strong man, a fighter. He did not die as some people want to insinuate.”
“It is true Raila had hinted to us that he wanted Winnie to represent him at duol (kraal). He wanted us to talk about Winnie with the electorate, but the majority were reluctant,” said one of the MPs who did not want to be named.
Winnie, who is a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), told mourners that in Bondo, there still lives a lion.
“I have heard people talk badly about Bondo. I want to say here, we have a lion here. I am the lion. Do not be worried. For President Ruto, I am ready to come back home,” she said.
Winnie has been the cornerstone of Raila’s political journey after the death of his son, Fidel Odinga, and she has been significant in his presidential campaigns.
With the dust now settling, the battle for Raila’s throne will be fought from within and without as several politicians have expressed interest.
