A Gesture of Honour

In a powerful display of cultural respect and political history, former Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala visited the home of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, on Friday, November 21, 2025, to offer his condolences to the Odinga family. Accompanied by a delegation of elders and local leaders, Balala presented a camel to Mama Ida Odinga, a gesture he described as a profound tribute to a man he considered a political mentor and friend.

The visit took place at the Odinga family's Opoda Farm and Kang'o ka Jaramogi, which has seen a continuous stream of visitors since Raila Odinga's passing on October 15, 2025. While condolence gifts of livestock are customary, the choice of a camel, an animal rare in the lakeside region, drew significant attention and curiosity from locals.

“Where I come from, to give someone a camel is to honour him or her,” Balala stated during the visit. “Raila dedicated his life to giving a voice to the vulnerable and the marginalised like us.” He further explained the sacredness of the animal in his culture, noting, “A camel is sacred to us. They are good guiders; they guided Prophet Mohamed.” The camel was reportedly purchased in Baringo County and transported to Bondo for the occasion.

Political Undertones and Historical Ties

Balala's visit was laden with political significance, reflecting a long and complex history with the Odinga family. Balala was a key member of the original Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 'Pentagon' in 2007, a formidable political alliance led by Raila Odinga that included President William Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This historical connection was not lost on observers, especially in the context of Kenya's evolving political landscape following Odinga's death.

In his tribute, Balala described the late Odinga as a historic figure whose career was defined by sacrifice and the pursuit of justice. “Under his leadership, the ODM party transformed Kenya's political landscape into a strong and inclusive movement that shaped and defined the country,” Balala remarked. He urged Kenyans to carry forward Odinga's vision for a nation where every citizen is respected and empowered.

The visit comes amidst discussions of a political reunion of the original ODM founders. Reports indicate that President Ruto and Balala were expected to attend the party's 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, an event also meant to honour Raila Odinga's legacy. This has fueled speculation about potential new alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some seeing a reincarnation of the 2007 power-sharing alliance.

The Cultural Significance of the Camel

The gifting of a camel holds deep cultural and socio-economic importance in many Kenyan pastoralist communities, including Balala's. In these cultures, camels are a symbol of wealth, status, and resilience. They are vital for survival in arid regions, providing milk, meat, and transport. Gifting a camel is therefore one of the highest honours one can bestow, signifying deep respect and solidarity.

While unusual for Luo tradition, which more commonly sees offerings of cattle, goats, or sheep, the gesture was a powerful bridge between different Kenyan cultures in a moment of national mourning. Interestingly, it was noted that the late Raila Odinga himself kept several camels at his Opoda Farm, suggesting an appreciation for the animal.

A Nation in Mourning

Since the death of the former Prime Minister, the Odinga family has received a continuous flow of mourners from across the political spectrum and various sectors of society at both their Karen, Nairobi home and their ancestral home in Bondo. These visits have been marked by tributes and gifts, reflecting the broad impact of Odinga's long and influential career in Kenyan politics.

Najib Balala, a veteran politician, has served in various high-profile government positions, including as the youngest mayor of Mombasa, Member of Parliament for Mvita, and as Cabinet Secretary for several ministries, most notably Tourism and Wildlife. His gesture of condolence highlights the cross-cutting respect for Raila Odinga's legacy, transcending the political divisions that have often characterized the nation's public life. The visit serves as a reminder of the intricate personal and political relationships that underpin Kenyan society, often coming to the fore in moments of collective grief and reflection.