“Jowi! Jowi!”: The Sacred Cry That Marked Raila Odinga’s Final Farewell

The chant “Jowi! Jowi!” rang out across Nyayo National Stadium on 17 October 2025 as thousands gathered for the state funeral of Raila Odinga, led by his son Raila Junior.

The cry, long associated with honouring distinguished figures, holds deep cultural significance in Luo tradition. Derived from the word for buffalo, a symbol of strength and resilience, “Jowi” is reserved for individuals whose lives were marked by courage, leadership and service. It is both an expression of mourning and a declaration of respect for the deceased.

The late Odinga, a central figure in Kenyan politics, played a major role in bringing the chant into national ceremonies. One of the most memorable moments came in 2020 during the funeral of former President Daniel arap Moi at Kabarak, when Odinga, dressed in traditional attire and holding a black fly whisk, delivered a dirge before invoking the cry.

He had previously used it at the funerals of former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa in 2003 and former Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha in 2023. The chant carries historical weight. In 1978, Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, used “Jowi!” at the funeral of Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, establishing its place in state funerals.

Over the decades, it has evolved from a Luo cultural expression into a symbol of national mourning and respect. Cultural experts describe the chant as sacred and reserved for exceptional individuals. Professor Charles Nyakiti of Kano, Kisumu County, notes that the buffalo represents bravery and guardianship.

“To chant ‘Jowi!’ is to recognise someone who stood firm in the face of adversity,” he explains.

Elder Ambrose Nyapada of Bondo adds that it is used only for those regarded as warriors in life.