By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 7 December 2025 - In Luo Nyanza, it has become almost predictable that families assemble in significant numbers only when death occurs.
Funerals, and the harambee fundraisers that accompany them, have increasingly become the only ocassions on which relatives travel from far and wide, set aside old differences, and gather to give their departed member a befitting send-off.
While it is understood that people are busy fending for themselves in modern Kenya, where taxes, levies and bills must be paid, family reunions and collaboration remain powerful sources of comfort.
At the recent burial of Beryl Odinga, daughter of Kenya’s first Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, there was a call for the larger Odinga family to make it a habit to convene regularly.
This was not a message to the Odingas alone, but to families across the country to make it a habit of checking on one another, not only on sombre occasions, but also during joyous moments.
Jaramogi’s grandson, Mr Sankara Raila Odinga Busia, firstborn son of Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, delivered remarks that resonated deeply. He urged families to stop waiting for tragedy before reaching out to one another.
Sankara, who is a young leader widely regarded as being groomed for future leadership, urged the Odinga family to maintain strong bonds at all times, not only in moments of mourning.
“Unity within the family is vital,” he said, emphasising that working together for the common good should precede ceremonial occasions.
The ceremony drew a notable political gathering, reflecting the Odinga family’s prominence in Kenyan politics.
Among those present were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga, Kisumu Governor James Orengo, Ida Odinga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, and ODM leaders led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
Their attendance highlighted the intersection of family and political influence, underscoring the Odingas’ continued role in shaping regional and national political discourse.
During the event, Kalonzo and Wamalwa made pointed appeals to Nyanza voters, encouraging them to support their future political ambitions.
Kalonzo indicated readiness to step into leadership roles should there be openings after 2027, signaling the start of early positioning ahead of the next electoral cycles.
He reiterated that the current political arrangements, including the broad-based government (BBG) formation endorsed by the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, were intended to run only until 2027, leaving room for fresh negotiations thereafter.
“I am ready to step up and fill any void,” he said, appealing to constituents to consider continuity and stability in future leadership planning.
The remarks by Sankara and other leaders highlight the dual focus on family cohesion and political strategy that is often intertwined within Kenya’s political families.
Speaking about unity, Sankara positioned himself as a figure mindful of the social and moral responsibilities tied to his lineage, signaling maturity and awareness of the role of family solidarity in sustaining political influence.
More from Kenya
Observers noted that Sankara’s public address reflects a broader trend among Kenya’s younger political generation. They put emphasis on both ethical responsibility and strategic positioning.
While mourning remains the immediate context, the speech reinforced the importance of long-term collaboration, whether in family affairs or political ventures.
The presence of senior politicians alongside young leaders like Sankara indicates that Kenya’s political landscape continues to blend generational continuity with active mentorship.
As families like the Odingas maintain their political relevance, such occasions serve not only as moments of remembrance but also as platforms for fostering unity, dialogue, and succession planning.
In urging collaboration and highlighting readiness to step into leadership roles, Sankara, Kalonzo, and Wamalwa collectively underscored a message that resonates both within the family and among political allies that “cohesion, foresight, and strategic engagement are essential for the advancement of shared goals”.
For the Odingas, the call for unity goes beyond personal ties, signaling the importance of solidarity in sustaining influence across generations and shaping the future of regional politics.
Sankara’s words served as a gentle yet powerful reminder that death ought not to be the strongest bond holding Luo families together.
When families cultivate closeness during the ordinary course of life, the rewards are considerable.
Emotional satisfaction becomes a daily reality rather than fleeting consolation at a graveside.
Resources pooled for school fees, medical care or business ventures produce far richer outcomes than the sudden, burdensome expense of a grand farewell.
Children grow up knowing their cousins, aunts and uncles, thereby safeguarding language, culture and identity for generations to come.
Elders feel cherished and supported in their later years rather than merely commemorated after they have passed.
Family differences or burning issues are more easily resolved when people meet frequently, and this brings honour to the family.
Sankara’s words should inspire many families, from Homa Bay, Migori and Kisumu, through to Siaya, and eventually across the country.
Families need to rally around hospital wards, graduation ceremonies, weddings, religious functions, community projects and who knows? Even political rallies or mobilisation!
