EXPLAINER: Why Beryl Odinga Will Be Buried At Kang’o Ka Jaramogi
Oburu Odinga, the leader of the ODM party, has explained why his late sister Beryl Odinga would be buried at their Kang’o Ka Jaramogi burial site.
The Siaya Senator stated that the family respects tradition while adapting to changing reality.
Oburu stated that the decision had aroused concerns in the community, particularly since Luo tradition stipulates that a woman should be buried outside the compound or a married lady at her husband’s home.
The body of the late Beryl Achieng Odinga, sister to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arrived at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County on Friday, ahead of her burial on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/kUHIkhjYKe
— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) December 5, 2025
He did, however, state that the family will follow all other traditional procedures involved with a woman’s funeral.
“We know our traditions, and we respect them. Our sister will be buried with her head facing the gate, as the culture requires,” he said.
He clarified that the only difference is that she will be buried at the family’s selected graveyard within their home.
He claimed that their late father designated a specific location as the last resting place for all family members.
“The world has changed, and land is no longer what it used to be. Our father showed us where every member of the family should be buried. We are simply following that guidance,” Oburu said.
He noted that, while the Luo community has strong burial customs, families must also be wise and adaptable when circumstances change.
Oburu also observed that previous homesteads and lives were vastly different from today’s realities.
“We are not abandoning our culture, and we are not throwing away our sisters,” he said.
He added, “We are honouring her and honouring the instructions given to us by our father.”
Oburu urged elders to appreciate the family’s perspective, stating that the decision was made out of respect, not defiance.
“If this appears to go against what has been done traditionally, we ask for your understanding. Times have changed, and we must balance tradition with present-day realities,” he said.
The burial has stirred debate in the community, with some seeing it as a modern interpretation of Luo practices, while others believe it crosses long-held cultural limits.
The controversy stems from claims by some Luo cultural custodians that the burial should follow customary rites, which include specific rituals and ancestral customs.
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Critics argue that failing to adhere strictly to these practices disrespects tradition and undermines community norms.
Beryl will be laid to rest this Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Bondo at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where a quiet corner of the Odinga family cemetery awaits her late mother, Mama Mary Juma Odinga.
The late Beryl Achieng's final resting place at the Odinga family cemetery in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. https://t.co/S3aksDIxmZ pic.twitter.com/UJo2AhmYC2
— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) December 5, 2025
The burial plan was confirmed by Raila Odinga Junior following consultations with family elders, including Dr. Oburu Oginga.
Two of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s widows, Betty and Susan Oginga, as well as Beryl’s stepbrother, Omondi Odinga, attended the meeting.
EXPLAINER: Why Beryl Odinga Will Be Buried At Kang’o Ka Jaramogi
