A quiet tension is growing in the Oginga family after Dr. Oburu Oginga spoke openly about why his late sister, Beryl Achieng, will be buried with her head facing the gate.
It is a rare burial position, and many people have been eager to understand the reason behind it.
Oburu addressed the matter calmly.
He said the decision was not meant to offend anyone or break any community norm. Instead, he explained that the family was simply following a cultural practice that has guided them for generations.
According to him, Luo traditions require certain members of the family to be buried in specific directions.
He said this shows respect, not defiance.
Oburu reminded elders and relatives that the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga had already pointed out the exact burial site before his death.
The family, he said, is only honouring what their father had shown them years ago.
He added that the world has changed and homes today are very different from the large compounds of the past.
Because of this, he asked Luo elders to understand the family’s situation and to allow some flexibility in the traditions.
Despite the discussions happening around the burial, Oburu said the family will treat their sister with dignity.
“We cannot simply discard our sister like that,” he told the gathering.
Family members say they want peace and clarity as they prepare for the burial.
They hope that cultural leaders can guide the process without creating unnecessary tension.
Local media reports indicate that elders and the family are still consulting as plans continue.
The burial is expected to draw attention because of the Oginga family’s long political history and the unique cultural questions raised by the burial arrangement.
By Kenyans