It is with deep sadness that the family of the late Raila Odinga today announced the passing of his sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga. She died on 25 November 2025 in Nairobi, leaving behind a legacy of quiet service, family devotion, and professional achievement. 

A Life of Service Away from the Spotlight

Beryl Achieng was born into the renowned Odinga family, daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Though her family name is widely known in Kenya’s public life, Beryl chose a more understated path, carving out a professional career that spanned multiple countries and roles.

She worked as a teacher and lawyer, demonstrating a commitment to education and the rule of law. Notably, she made history in Zimbabwe when she became the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, one of that country’s large cities. Later, in Kenya she served as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), among other public-service roles. 

Despite belonging to a politically high-profile family, she did not seek the limelight. Her work and life suggest a desire to serve with dignity rather than with fanfare.

Family, Faith and Farewell

According to public announcements, Beryl was a devoted mother to her children Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai. Her sister, Ruth Odinga, speaking on behalf of the family, said:

“It is with a heavy heart, but in acceptance of the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga…” 

She went on to note the “immense void left” in their lives and expressed gratitude “for the invaluable gift of the time we were privileged to share with her”. 

The Circumstances

Beryl died while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. Reports suggest she had been unwell for some time and was in and out of hospital. The announcement did not publicly indicate a detailed cause of death. 

The timing of her passing arrives just weeks after the death of her brother Raila. For the Odinga family, and for many Kenyans, this double loss is deeply felt.

Legacy

Beryl’s life may not have been one of constant headlines, but her legacy is meaningful:

A bridge between countries, Kenya and Zimbabwe, through her public service.

A reminder that leadership can take many forms, not always front-and-centre in political life.

A family anchor who, despite the pressures and expectations of her surname, lived with quiet strength.

As the family prepares to lay her to rest, the private grief of children, siblings, nieces and nephews will converge with the public’s respect for a figure who quietly served.

In Closing

In moments like this, it becomes less about titles and more about presence: the sister who supported family, the mother who nurtured children, the professional who upheld standards, and the human who walked life’s fragile terrain. Beryl Achieng Odinga’s passing reminds us of the shared fragility of life and the enduring impact of a life well-lived.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her family find comfort and peace in this difficult time.