Скачать или смотреть The Importance of Funeral Rites for Restless Spirits

Raila Odinga, famously known as Baba - meaning Father in Swahili, was the most towering figure in the Kenyan political landscape. As people across Kenya, Africa and worldwide follow the funeral proceedings leading up to the burial of the recently-departed Former Prime Minister of Kenya on Sunday, the 19th of October 2025, many people are curious to learn about the ongoing associated traditions.

Raila was of Luo ethnicity and hence is being buried with respect to Luo traditional beliefs. The Luos are among the African communities which place a great emphasis on burial rites, similar to the Akans of Western Africa and the Zulus of Southern Africa. For these and other societies, elaborate funeral ceremonies are anchored in belief systems on the undying connection between the human world and the realm of the ancestral spirits.

This episode of Living Traditions on Timbuktu Tales explores the practices currently being observed with respect to the funeral of Raila Odinga and how they are tied to traditional beliefs of the Luo peoples of Eastern Africa.

Keep watching to learn about these fascinating African traditions and, while at it, don’t forget to subscribe to Timbuktu Tales!

The Traditional Burial of Raila Odinga | Luo Funeral Rites Explained

Dive into the powerful traditions honoring the life of Kenya's political giant, Raila Odinga. Discover the powerful traditions honoring the life of Kenya's "Baba," 👇 If you're fascinated by culture, hit that subscribe button!

0:00 🎬 Intro: The Passing of a Colossus - Who was Raila Odinga and why are his funeral rites so significant?

1:30 🌍 African Rites of Passage - A quick look at how the Akan, Zulu, and Luo view funerals as a bridge to the ancestors.

3:45 💀 Luo Belief: Death as an Evil Spirit - Why the Luo see funerals as an act of war against a malevolent force.

5:30 ⚔️ "Tero Buru": Chasing Death Away - The intense ceremony of beating roofs, shaving heads, and mock battles at Raila's homestead.

7:45 🌊 The Final Battle: Bulls & The Water Goddess - How driving bulls to a river and the goddess Nyanam help the spirit find peace.

9:30 👻 Troubled Spirits: The Nyawawa - The fate of those who can't find peace and become vengeful ghosts.

10:45 😭 A Nation in Mourning - The 30km walk with the casket, the symbolic twigs, and Nairobi at a standstill.

12:30 👑 "The Crown of the Spirits" - The powerful duty of Raila's daughter, Winnie, and the presentation of his iconic cap.

14:00 🎤 Praise, Dirges, and Feasts - The role of praise-singers, professional mourners, and the massive feast to honor a legend.

16:00 ✨ "Forever Young": Raila's Legacy - How his name and spirit will live on through future generations.

Let us know in the comments which tradition you found most powerful!

Tribute Songs Used:

1. "Rapar Jonam" by George Ramogi -    • Rapar Jonam - George Ramogi  
2. "Lo Jajuok" by Musa Jakadal -    • Musa Jakadalla - Rt Hon. Raila Odinga Trib...  
3. "Raila Odinga" by Coster Ojwang' -    • RAILA ODINGA by COSTER OJWANG  
4. "Dengo" by Brian Sigu -    • BRIAN SIGU   DENGO  

Soundtrack Listing:
1.With every breath - Roots and recognition. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
2.Uncharted Land - Helmut Schenker. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
3.We’re in this together now - Loving Caliber. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
4.The secret spring - Helmut Schenker. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
5.My sleeping giant - DEX 1200. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
6.Leaving no one behind - Christian Andersen. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
7.Before Daybreak - Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
8.First Shooter - Bonnie Grace.
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...
9.Without rules and restrictions - Christian Andersen. https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/t...