Lamogi royal gifts to Raila Odinga family stir emotion

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BONDO - The widow of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Betty Ida Odinga, has been deeply moved by a rare collection of cultural regalia from the northern Uganda-based Lamogi chiefdom. 

The gifts offered on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in honour of Odinga’s legacy are expected to be preserved in the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum, according to Ida Odinga.

The presentation was at Raila’s Bondo residence in Siaya County, Nyanza Province, where the Acholi royal envoys arrived after a two-day journey from Uganda.

Raila passed on October 15, 2025, during a trip to an Ayurvedic health clinic in India. The politician cast himself as an anti-establishment firebrand despite belonging to one of Kenya's top political dynasties. Born on January 7, 1945, he spent his early years in politics either in jail or in exile, fighting for democracy during the autocratic rule of president Daniel arap Moi.

A member of the Luo tribe, he entered parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, claiming to have been cheated of victory in the last four elections.

Cultural gifts

The royal delegation delivered a set of traditional Acholi and Lamogi symbols of leadership and respect. 

These, included

• A Lamogi traditional walking stick
• Awula, a royal armband representing Luo pride
• Odo Wino, a hand whip symbolising victory
• A calabash used during rites
• Gara, a leg-tied metallic musical instrument
• Bila, a horn used to announce significant events
• A winnowing tray, symbolising blessing and continuity

Mama Ida Odinga expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying the items “carry deep cultural meaning and will be treasured for generations.” She pledged to place the artefacts in the Jaramogi Museum and keep one signed autograph in her personal collection.  

Ida reading the book about Lamogi people given to her by Ker kwaro Lamog. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)

Lamogi chiefdom premier Richard Juma Lanek Pa Labongo said Acholi tradition forbids chiefs from attending fresh funerals unless specific rituals are performed.

“Now that the mandatory period has passed,” Lanek said, “it is fitting that we come and condole with the family of the great Kenyan statesman, Raila Amolo Odinga.”

Sixteen royal elders, led by Rwot Otinga Atuka Ottoyai II, departed Gulu City on November 15, 2025, after securing travel clearance from the Office of the President’s representative in Amuru district.

Kenyan police officers who stopped the convoy for routine checks were delighted to learn they were escorting Ugandan royalty paying homage to Raila Odinga. Many greeted Rwot Otinga with the respectful Luo salutation “Wod Twon…” meaning “Your Majesty.”

Guided remotely by Kenyan lawyer Kennedy WodLuo, the delegation drove through Busia to Bondo, arriving just before 1:00pm.

A shrine of history

Before meeting Ida, the delegation visited Kango Kajaramogi, the ancestral home where Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and his descendants are buried.

The homestead, shaded by ancient trees, features:

• The lion statues guarded the tomb of Jaramogi
• The fresh, flower-covered grave of Raila Odinga
• A museum showcasing relics such as Jaramogi’s wartime luggage, clothing, bedding, photographs, and cultural instruments.

The Acholi royals toured the museum before commencing a cultural mourning ritual at Raila’s graveside.

Acholi rituals  

Led by elder Sylvester Opira, the delegation entered the homestead in full cultural attire—wailing, chanting, and blowing the Bila horn.

Women performed ululations while men danced Myel-Lyel, a traditional mourning dance.

Their performance attracted silent and curious attention from other mourners who had never witnessed such a ritual.

At the graveside, Rwot Otinga delivered an emotional message: “I was shocked to hear that my son Raila had passed. Acholi tradition prevented me from attending the fresh burial, but I am here now to mourn with the Jaramogi people and all Luo worldwide who have lost a hero.”

He emphasised that the Jaramogi lineage and the Lamogi people share ancient ancestral ties dating back to the great Luo migration.

Reception 

The delegates later visited the two surviving widows of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga: Betty Oginga and Susan Oginga, before proceeding to Mama Ida’s residence for the final ceremony.

At Ida’s home, the royals were served a special meal in accordance with the respect accorded to chiefs.

Mama Ida later welcomed them into Raila’s personal sitting room, insisting that Rwot Otinga occupy Raila’s favourite seat.

The delegation presented a ceremonial walking stick intended for Raila Odinga Jr., whom Rwot Otinga described as the rightful heir to guide the family forward.

Although Raila Jr. and his sister Winnie were in Nairobi for ODM’s 20-year celebrations, Mama Ida received the regalia on their behalf.

Otinga performed an incantation (Agat), an Acholi prayer of blessing, sprinkling water from a calabash before pouring it toward the west, symbolising the banishment of misfortune with the setting sun.

A promise  

Otinga privately reminded Ida of promises Raila had made to the Lamogi community during the 2024 Piny Luo event. Although he did not disclose the details publicly, Ida assured him the family would honour Raila’s commitments.

Before returning to Uganda, the royal delegation is expected to plant a memorial tree at Kango Kajaramogi on Monday morning.