Beryl Achieng Odinga, Sister to the Late Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Dies
Late Raila Odinga (left) with his late sister Beryl Achieng Odinga in a past photo.
The Odinga family has announced the sudden death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Beryl’s passing has been received with deep sorrow within the family, who described her as a loving mother and a quiet but influential figure in their lives.
According to the family, Beryl was a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai, and a sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and Akinyi Wenwa. She was also sister-in-law to Dr. Canon Ida Odinga, Dr. Anne Oburu, Hon. Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu.
“With a heavy heart, but accepting God’s will, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. Her departure has left an immense void in our lives, yet we hold onto the comfort that she rests in the Lord. We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.”the family said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Although she preferred to live privately, Beryl built an outstanding professional career. After finishing her Form Six (A-Levels) in 1972, she pursued both teaching and law, distinguishing herself early in life. Her career later took her to Zimbabwe, where she made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.
She went on to serve as the Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, cementing her reputation as a dedicated public servant and respected professional.
In Kenya, Beryl continued her service to the public after being appointed to the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) board in January 2020, eventually taking up the role of Chairperson.
Her academic and social networks also stood out. During Senator Oburu Oginga’s birthday celebration in 2023, she shared that she had been classmates with Kalonzo Musyoka and Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, highlighting her broad connections.
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974, an aspiring politician who died in 1985 while at Kodiaga Prison.
