Luhya’s to Offer 20 Bulls for Raila Burial
Former second liberation fighter Wafula Buke has announced that he, along with Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, will be leading the delivery of 20 bulls from Luhya land to the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the funeral feast.
In a statement shared on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Buke explained that this gesture is a way to honor what Raila Odinga did years ago during the funeral of the late Vice President Wamalwa Kijana, when he brought an equal number of bulls to the Bukusu community as part of the funeral meals.
“Under the leadership of Eugene Wamalwa, we shall today be delivering bulls to Raila Odinga‘s home as “vegetables” for visitors. This practice has a long history between our Lulu (Luo-Luyha) communities,” Buke said.
Buke shared that this move represents the strong cultural and historical connections between the Luo and Luhya communities, often called the “Lulu” bond. He emphasized that this gesture of solidarity reflects the respect and unity that leaders from both communities have demonstrated during difficult times.
He traced the roots of this tradition all the way back to the era of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Masinde Muliro. Their relationship, while politically tense at times, was underpinned by a deep mutual respect. Buke reminisced about how, after the tragic assassination of Tom Mboya in 1969, Masinde Muliro took it upon himself to lead a convoy of lorries filled with maize and gifts to console the Mboya family, honoring his political rival in the traditional Bukusu mourning attire.
“The guy mourned Mboya more than any dignitary, shedding tears and speaking to Mboya in Kiluhya. “I told you these people were going to kill you, but you never listened to me.” “Mboya, you are very stupid. Look at what you have done to your wife and children. Woi! Woi!” Late Jotham Nyukuri narrated to me, “he added
After Wamalwa Kijana passed away in 2003, Raila Odinga made his way to Kitale, bringing along ten bulls. He was dressed in traditional Luo mourning attire, carrying a spear, and honoring his friend with a heartfelt farewell in a customary ritual.
According to Buke, Raila’s actions back then showcased a remarkable level of maturity, forgiveness, and a profound grasp of African brotherhood that goes beyond mere politics.
Buke voiced his disappointment over the fact that some Bukusu leaders at that time chose to silence Raila during Wamalwa’s funeral, calling it an unfortunate display of hostility, especially in light of the peace and respect that was intended.
He stressed that this time, with Eugene Wamalwa at the helm, the Bukusu community will unite to honor Raila Odinga, embracing a spirit of togetherness and cultural reciprocity.
Luhya’s to Offer 20 Bulls for Raila Burial
