Carole Argwings-Kodhek, who died at the age of 72, was the daughter of one of Kenya’s most celebrated nationalist leaders, Clement Michael George Argwings-Kodhek, the country’s first African Barrister-at-Law and a key figure in the struggle for independence.
According to a family announcement, Carole passed away on Saturday, July 4.
Born on May 22, 1954, Carole was the daughter of CMG Argwings-Kodhek and Mavis Tate. Her father made history as Kenya’s first African barrister and played a role in the country’s independence movement. He later served as a Cabinet minister before his death in a road accident in 1969.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Carole Argwings-Kodhek. Carole was the first child of C.M.G. Argwings-Kodhek and Mavis Tate and she was the very proud mother of Caroline Armstrong and Samantha Argwings-Kodhek,” read part of the announcement.
Who Was Carole Argwings-Kodhek?
Beyond her famous family background, Carole was remembered by relatives as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.
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The family described her as the mother of Caroline Armstrong-Kodhek and Stephanie, and the mother-in-law of Michael Ogwapit. She was also a loving grandmother to Storm Armstrong-Ogwapit.
She leaves behind her siblings Shirley, Amanda, Paul, Gem, Caesar and Sharon, and was also an aunt to several nieces and nephews.
Carole’s father, Argwings-Kodhek, was one of the country’s most influential legal and political pioneers
A gifted lawyer, he defended many freedom fighters during the colonial era and became the first African advocate admitted to the Kenyan Bar. He later served as Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Housing.
Carole’s family said relatives and friends would gather for a funeral service on Tuesday, July 14, at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi before her burial.
Carole’s Father, CMG Argwings-Kodhek
Carole’s father, Clement Michael George (CMG) Argwings-Kodhek, is remembered as one of Kenya’s foremost nationalist leaders, lawyers and Cabinet ministers.
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For many Nairobians, the name Argwings Kodhek is familiar, thanks to the prominent road named after him in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area.
Born on July 2, 1923, Argwings-Kodhek studied law in the United Kingdom before making history as the first African barrister admitted to practise in Kenya.
His achievement broke racial barriers during the colonial period when the legal profession was dominated by Europeans.
As a lawyer, he represented Africans during the struggle for independence, including freedom fighters detained during the Mau Mau uprising.
Beyond the courtroom, Argwings-Kodhek played an active role in Kenya’s independence movement.
He was a founding member of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and was elected the first Member of Parliament for Nairobi South after independence in 1963.
During his political career, he served in several senior government positions, including Minister for Natural Resources, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and later Minister for Housing under the administration of Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta.
Argwings-Kodhek died in a road accident on January 29, 1969, at the age of 45, while serving as Minister for Housing.
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