Oburu Odinga explains family decision to bury Beryl Odinga in Kango Ka Jaramogi

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga has defended the Jaramogi family’s decision to bury his younger sister, Beryl Odinga, at their Kang’o Ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, a move that has been challenged by a section of Luo elders and the general public. Oburu, who is the senator for Siaya, said that decision was in line with the evolving cultural realities among the Luo community and the wishes of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Oburu said that in line with the tradition, Beryl will be buried with her head facing the gate, as Luo culture requires. Luo tradition recommends that a woman should be buried outside her father’s compound or at her husband's home, if she is married. Oburu added that Beryl Odinga will be buried at the family’s designated gravesite within the home that was identified by the late Jaramogi 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 added that while the Luo community has strong burial customs, families must also use wisdom and adapt when circumstances change, noting that older homesteads and lifestyles were very different from today’s realities.