By James Okoth
The Odinga family has been thrown into mourning following the death of Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, the younger sister to ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kisumu Woman Representative Hon. Ruth Odinga, who confirmed the sad news on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message to the public, Ruth said the family was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of her sister, describing her as a pillar of love, intellect and humility.
“It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, daughter to the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga,” read part of the family statement. “While we are deeply saddened by her demise and the immense void left in our lives, we take solace in the belief that she is safe in the Lord’s arms,” said part of the statement.
A Quiet but Distinguished Life
Though she kept a low public profile, Beryl Achieng’ Odinga led a life marked by distinction in both professional and public service circles. A teacher by training and later a lawyer, she combined intellect with commitment to administrative excellence.
In 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), where she earned respect for her calm leadership and insistence on accountability in public utilities management.
Earlier in her career, Beryl served abroad, including a notable stint in Zimbabwe, where she reportedly made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare and later served as Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe in a rare achievement for a Kenyan woman of her generation.
The Family and Early Years
Born to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma, Beryl was the youngest in the Odinga family. Her upbringing in a household deeply engaged in Kenya’s liberation and governance struggles shaped her sense of discipline and service.
She completed her A-Level studies in 1972 and pursued further education both locally and abroad. Unlike some of her siblings who studied overseas, she once revealed that she attended school in Kenya, sharing a classroom with political figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o.
A Private Life, a Strong Legacy
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in the mid-1970s and together they had children — Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. Her husband passed away in 1985, after which she continued to focus on her career and family.
Those close to her describe her as reserved but remarkably principled and a woman who valued education, integrity and service over publicity.
Mourning and Tributes
The news of her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from political leaders and the public alike. ODM officials and Kisumu County leaders sent condolences to the family, praising her contribution to public administration and women’s leadership.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who schooled with Beryl, described her as “a brilliant mind and a gracious soul whose humility never diminished her influence.”
Plans for her burial are underway, with the family expected to release a detailed programme later this week.
A Life of Service Remembered
Beryl Achieng’ Odinga may not have sought the limelight that defined many of her siblings, but her journey tells a story of quiet excellence and unwavering commitment to service.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the Odinga family, one defined not only by politics, but by intellect, discipline and public duty.
As Ruth Odinga said in her tribute, “We are thankful for the invaluable gift of the time we shared with her and for the profound impact she had on all who knew her.”
