Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has paid tribute to Beryl Achieng Odinga, emphasizing her contributions to urban planning and sustainable development, during her burial ceremony in Mombasa.
Speaking to mourners, Kalonzo described Beryl as a figure whose work highlighted the importance of deliberate planning in Kenya’s cities.
“Cities do not grow by accident; they grow by design,” he said, urging the nation to adopt principles of order, functionality, dignity, and beauty in urban spaces.
Beryl Odinga, Raila Odinga’s sister, was remembered not only for her intellect and warmth but also for her professional dedication to shaping cities that are efficient, humane, and sustainable.
Kalonzo stressed that her legacy offers lessons for the planning of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and other major towns.
“If Kenya truly desires to become the Singapore we often hear about — a nation of efficiency, world-class infrastructure, and orderly urban centres — then we must embrace the kind of planning ethos that guided Beryl’s professional life,” Kalonzo said.
He urged authorities to prioritize transport systems, housing, public spaces, water and sanitation, and environmental management with clarity and discipline.
Beryl’s work in urban planning has been noted for integrating environmental sustainability with practical city management, reflecting her belief that effective urban systems are essential for national growth.
As he concluded, Kalonzo offered his condolences to the Odinga family and extended wishes of peace and goodwill to all Kenyans during the holiday season.
“May her memory be a blessing to the Odinga family and to all of us who believed in a better, more orderly, and more just Kenya,” he said.