Raila Odinga Junior was officially installed as the new head of his father's family during a traditional ceremony in Bondo on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Led by his uncle Dr. Oburu Oginga, the event marked the end of mourning and the start of new leadership in line with Luo community customs. The ceremony featured a head-shaving ritual known as liedo, symbolizing cleansing and transition.
The traditional ceremony took place at the family's Opoda Farm in Bondo, four days after the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga the previous Sunday. Under Luo customs, this fourth day, known as chieng’ mar ang’wen, officially ends mourning, allowing sons and married daughters to return to their homes.
Dr. Oburu Oginga, the late leader's elder brother, led the event and stressed it was cultural, not political. “The seat of authority in this house is now in Junior's hands, along with his mother. The mother will be there to give him the advice he needs, but he must stand firm. Stand firm and lead the homestead according to our traditions,” Oburu said. He added that he remains the cultural head of the extended Odinga family.
The main ritual was liedo, involving head shaving to symbolize cleansing and life's renewal. Traditionally performed near a river for purification, it is now often done at home. The eldest woman, such as a grandmother, makes three symbolic cuts before full shaving. Raila Junior was given a spear and shield and performed a traditional dance to affirm his leadership.
Oburu noted the practice mirrors that used at their father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's funeral. Elder John Akumu from Alego recalled that in the past, the sound of razors at dawn signaled mourning's start. The family continues honoring the deceased through grave maintenance and remembrance ceremonies to ensure lineage peace, as the Luo believe elders become protective ancestors.