Nyali Turns Funeral Into Party
They killed a bull and prepared a lavish pilau, enjoying it while dancing to Benga songs that celebrated the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
Even though the mourning period for the ODM leader wrapped up on Thursday, just four days after his burial, his supporters in Mombasa’s Nyali subcounty mentioned that they plan to mourn him for an entire month.
“Because Raila loved Nyali people and put us together. That’s why we are going to feast together,” said Bangu Bangu, a Mkomani resident, who slaughtered the bull, courtesy of the Said Abdalla Foundation.
He mentioned that the slaughtering of the bull was a symbolic act, much like the traditional tero buru that took place at Raila’s Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya county, following his burial.
“Since we couldn’t make it to Bondo, we decided to hold a symbolic ritual here in Nyali, where Baba taught us the importance of living in unity and harmony. We will continue to mourn him until November 15,” Bangu Bangu shared.
Religious leaders led prayers as Raila’s portrait hung on a perimeter wall.
Said Abdalla Foundation’s patron, Said ‘Saido’ Abdalla, noted that even though he arranged for four buses of supporters to travel to Bondo, the sheer number of requests meant that not everyone could attend Raila’s burial.
“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 have closure because they were disappointed they could not travel to Bondo,” he said.
Abdalla stood out as one of Raila’s most trusted allies in Mombasa. He called on the residents of Nyali to honor Raila’s legacy by embracing his teachings and fostering peace and unity, all while ensuring that human rights violations don’t take place.
“He taught us to stand up against injustices, and that’s precisely what we intend to do,” Abdalla expressed.
Local resident Dennis Aduda shared his thoughts, stating that Raila was truly the people’s president, and Kenya may never see another leader as selfless as him.
“He left us at a time when we needed him the most,” he said.
Aduda said Nyali will lead the way in following the teachings of Raila.
“He put his self-interests aside for the sake of peace and unity of the country. We will also put our selfish interests aside and ensure we get the right leaders in 2027 starting here in Nyali,” he said.
“He has been Baba to us as Nyali people. His example should be emulated by everyone across the globe,” Aduda said.
Nyali Turns Funeral Into Party
