THE ODINGA'S MOURN AGAIN

The Odinga family has been plunged back into grief following the death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sister of the late Raila Odinga, who passed just over a month ago — deepening an already painful season for one of Kenya’s most influential political families.

Beryl, who led a notably private life despite her family’s prominence, died on Tuesday, 25, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. Family members confirmed that she had battled a long-standing illness and had been in and out of medical facilities over recent months.

In a heartfelt message, her sister Ruth Odinga announced the loss, describing Beryl as a devoted mother and a quiet pillar within the family.

“It is with a heavy heart, but in acceptance of God’s will, that we announce the passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” Ruth said. “While the void she leaves is immense, we remain grateful for the time we shared with her and for the impact she had on everyone who knew her.”

Beryl was a loving mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai, and a sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa, and Ruth Odinga. She was also sister-in-law to Dr. Anne Oburu, Dr. Canon Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu.

Though she kept away from the limelight, Beryl built an impressive professional legacy across Kenya and Zimbabwe. She completed her Form Six studies in 1972 before pursuing parallel careers in teaching and law. She later made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city—a groundbreaking achievement that cemented her reputation as a trailblazer.

After returning to Zimbabwe, she served as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, and in Kenya, she continued her public service journey, eventually becoming Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) in 2020.

Beyond her career, she was known for her intellectual networks and shared past with notable leaders. During her brother Oburu’s 2023 birthday celebration, she reminisced about having been a classmate of Kalonzo Musyoka and Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, a detail that highlighted her broad social and academic footprint.

Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974, an aspiring legislator who later died in 1985.

Leaders have joined the already mourning Odinga family in expressing their condolences, eulogizing the deceased as a resilient and remarkably intellectual individual.

Her death marks yet another heavy blow to a family still coming to terms with Raila Odinga’s passing. With her departure, the Odingas once again find themselves gathering in sorrow, mourning a woman remembered for her quiet strength, professional excellence, and enduring love for her family.

Sincere condolences to the family as they go through yet another painful loss.