During the state funeral of former President Daniel Arap Moi at his Kabarak home in February 2020, Raila Odinga delivered a moving tribute steeped in Luo tradition.
As mourners watched in solemn silence, the former Prime Minister raised his fly whisk high, circled it above Moi’s casket, and broke into a powerful chant: “Jowi! Jowi! Jowi!”
To many unfamiliar with Luo customs, the moment may have seemed theatrical. But for those who understood its significance, it was a deeply symbolic farewell rooted in ancestral rituals.
In the Luo language, “Jowi” means buffalo—an animal revered for its strength, bravery, and commanding presence. Within the culture, chanting “Jowi” is a high honour, reserved for individuals of great stature: respected elders, influential leaders, and heroes whose lives left a lasting impact.
The chant signals that the person who has died was no ordinary figure, but someone whose loss is mourned by an entire community.
Raila’s act was not spontaneous performance; it followed long-standing Luo funeral customs. Central to this was the fly whisk, known as Orengo, which he held in his hand.
In Luo culture, the Orengo is a symbol of authority and respect, traditionally carried by elders during key ceremonies.
Waving it over the deceased is both a gesture of mourning and a call for peace, dignity, and honour in death.
Through his chant and gesture, Raila was not only paying his last respects to Moi but also invoking a rich cultural tradition to underscore the former president’s stature in Kenya’s history.
