Beryl Achieng Odinga, Sister of Raila, Dies Suddenly in Nairobi

 

The Odinga family is once again in mourning after the sudden death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the family confirmed on Tuesday.

In a statement, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga announced the passing, saying: “It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga … Daughter to the late Hon. Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. Sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa amongst others, and sister-in-law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu.”

Ruth Odinga expressed deep sorrow at the loss, reflecting on the “immeasurable void” left in the family, but added that they take comfort in their faith: “We take solace in the belief that she is safe in the Lord’s arms … and are thankful for the invaluable gift of the time we were privileged to share with her, and for the profound impact she had on all who knew her.”

A Life of Quiet Influence

Beryl Achieng Odinga maintained a relatively low public profile compared to her politically active siblings, but she made significant contributions in public service. According to multiple sources, she worked as a teacher and a lawyer.

Her career included a notable milestone abroad: she is reported to have been the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city. Back in Kenya, she also led in water services governance — in 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

Illness and Recent Struggles

According to family sources, Beryl had battled ill health over an extended period. She was admitted to Nairobi West Hospital, where she later passed away. It’s also reported she had previously been treated in an Indian medical facility — the same one where her brother Raila Odinga received care before his own death last month.

A Family in Grief

Her passing comes just over a month after the death of her elder brother, Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, in India. The family’s double loss has sent ripples of grief through Kenya’s political and social spheres, particularly given the Odinga family’s storied legacy in the nation’s history.

Beryl leaves behind her three children — Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai — as well as her siblings and extended family, many of whom are prominent public figures.