The sudden passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has unleashed a political earthquake in Western Kenya, exposing deep-seated divisions and sparking a fierce battle for regional dominance. For over two decades, Raila and his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party held an unshakable grip on the region's political landscape. But with his death, a power vacuum has emerged, leaving Luhya leaders scrambling to fill the void and redefine the region's political identity. And this is the part most people miss: the symbolic gestures of tribute to the Odinga family in Bondo are not just acts of respect, but subtle displays of political maneuvering and ambition.
Unlike other regions, which sent unified delegations, Western leaders have visited Bondo separately, each presenting bulls to the Odinga family on different days. This disjointed approach stands in stark contrast to the Rift Valley, where a united front of over 60 MPs and several governors, including Stephen Sang (Nandi), Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), presented a staggering 80 bulls as a powerful symbol of solidarity. But here's where it gets controversial: while some interpret these separate visits as a sign of disunity among Western leaders, others argue they reflect deeply rooted cultural traditions and personal respect for Raila, whom the community revered as one of their own.
The first Western delegation, led by Maragoli elders sent by Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, presented six bulls—one for each of the five counties of Western Kenya and one from Mudavadi personally. A second delegation, comprising Bukusu elders from Trans Nzoia and led by DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa, also paid their respects. Wamalwa framed the visit as a reciprocal gesture, recalling how Raila had honored his late brother, Wamalwa Kijana, in 2003. But is this unity or mere posturing? Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, and gubernatorial aspirant Zachariah Barasa further complicated the picture with their separate visits and rituals at Raila’s grave. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya also presented bulls in individual visits, adding to the perception of fragmentation.
Despite these separate actions, Wamalwa’s DAP-K party has vehemently denied claims of disunity, insisting that the presentation of bulls is a cultural practice devoid of political rivalry. “Each leader’s offering was a personal expression of affection and respect for Raila,” Wamalwa explained, adding that the ‘tero buru’ ritual, performed separately, symbolizes unity rather than division. But does this explanation hold water? Political analysts like Prof Amukowa Anangwe argue that Raila’s death has created a vacuum with far-reaching implications, and whether Luhya leaders can overcome their disunity to fill it remains uncertain.
Joseph Mutua, another political analyst, predicts a tectonic shift in Western Kenya’s political landscape. “Raila’s absence will ignite fierce competition for control of this vote-rich region,” he said. This was evident until Wednesday, when Western leaders finally appeared together at the Odinga home, alongside notable dignitaries such as former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli. But the question lingers: who will emerge as the region’s new political soul? And more importantly, can Western leaders set aside their differences to forge a unified path forward, or will their ambitions tear the region apart? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments—is this a moment of opportunity or the beginning of deeper divisions?
