In his dirge, when eulogising President Daniel Moi in February 2020, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga chanted “Jowi! Jowi!” before waving a black whisk over his casket.
This was a sign of honour and portrayal of Moi as a strong, brave and powerful figure with proven leadership qualities. ‘Jowi! Jowi!’ is not just a chant, but an emotional outburst when mourning a respected person in the society.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (second left) and other leaders pay their last respects to former Education CS Prof George Magoha at Odera Akang'o grounds in Yala, Siaya on February 11, 2023.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The phrase became Mr Odinga’s signature tune for mourning prominent figures in the country as witnessed when he charged at the funeral of the late former Vice President Kijana Wamalwa, who died in August 2003, among other prominent political figures.
In his death , the chant has gained currency, giving the nation a sneak peek into the rich Luo tradition and custom in celebrating the dead. Luos have been known for their elaborate funeral rituals that include performance of a dirge.
On Saturday at Mamboleo, in Kisumu County, where the public viewing of the body took place, thousands of mourners broke into the chant every now and then.
Similar chants rent the air in Nairobi when the body was being moved from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Raila Junior eulogises his father Raila Odinga during the State funeral service held on October 17, 2025 at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation
At Nyayo National Stadium during the State funeral service, mourners went wild when Mr Odinga’s son, Raila Jnr, chanted the phrase.
Jowi in Luo means a buffalo, a large animal with an imposing pair of horns atop its head. The animal is known for its daring bravery. In Luo culture, the dirge signals that the deceased was a brave person with an outstanding legacy.
Professor Charles Nyakiti, a respected elder in Kano, Kisumu County, describes the chant as a ritual reserved for people who have made significant influence in the society.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo (left) arrive for the funeral of former Education CS George Magoha at Odera Akang'o grounds in Yala, Siaya on February 11, 2023.
Photo credit: File | Nation
He says the chant is reserved for respected leaders, who have shown bravery in defending the weak.
“A buffalo in Luo culture signifies bravery. It can charge at you, irrespective of the danger involved,” he explains.
“Chanting ‘Jowi! Jowi!’ therefore means the dead was a brave person. It signifies a daring person, who cannot be cowed by any form of threat.”
Ambrose Nyapada, 92, an elder from Bondo, also gave similar explanations. He said the phrase is reserved for those known to have been fierce and brave in life. He says a buffalo signifies a warrior.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pays tribute to the former President Daniel arap Moi during his funeral service at Kabarak grounds on February 12, 2020.
Photo credit: File | Nation
During Moi’s burial, Mr Odinga concluded his eulogy before requesting for his fly whisk. He told mourners he wanted to send off the former President like “a true African”.
He proceeded to perform a dirge in Luo before chanting “Jowi! Jowi!”. It was the same chant that his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, broke into when mourning Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the founding president, in 1978.
The late Odinga invoked ‘Jowi!’ once again in 2023, when he attended the funeral service of former Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha.
During the funeral, Mr Odinga donned traditional attire. In his hands were a whisk, shield and a spear. He waved the whisk, and proceeded to chant “Jowi!” in honour of Magoha.
