This archive report was first published on 9 September 2021.
Orie Rogo Manduli, a woman who defied conventions and left an enduring legacy, passed away on September 8, 2021, at her residence in Nairobi's Riverside area.
Born in 1948 in Kisumu, Manduli's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and unrelenting pursuit of her passions. Despite her parents being teachers, Manduli never pursued a career in teaching, instead opting for a life that would take her to the pinnacle of beauty pageants, politics, and business.
At the tender age of 16, Manduli was crowned Miss World Kenya, a title that marked the beginning of her journey into the spotlight. Her marriage to Oliver Litondo, a renowned actor and film star, ended three years later, leaving her a single mother of three daughters.
Manduli's life took another turn when she met Meshack Manduli, a member of Zambia's royal Lunda community, and the two were married. They had a son, Katyana, before Meshack's untimely death in 2003.
Throughout her life, Manduli broke barriers and defied conventions. She became the first woman to participate in the East African Safari Rally in 1974 and 1975, a feat that showcased her courage and determination. Manduli also made history as the first female chair of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Council, although her tenure was cut short in 2005 due to leadership wrangles.
As a journalist with the Voice of Kenya, later known as the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Manduli's presence was always felt. Her foray into politics was marked by her unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, often at the expense of her own popularity.
Despite her controversies, Manduli remained unapologetic and unrelenting in her pursuit of justice and equality. Her trademark Nigerian-inspired African dresses and massive headscarf made her a standout figure in Kenyan society.
As a vocal advocate for traditional values, Manduli often found herself at odds with the status quo. In a 2018 interview with Citizen TV, she expressed her disdain for young girls emulating socialites, whom she described as 'high-end prostitutes.'
Manduli's views on unmarried leaders and childlessness were equally unapologetic. In an interview with the Standard, she posited that staying childless was 'wrong,' arguing that children were the reason people worked hard and the future generation.
