Beryl Odinga’s brother claims her illness stemmed from shock over Raila’s election loss in 2022
By Mabonga Makhanu, December 6, 2025The 11th son of the late Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Omondi Oginga, who is also a brother to the late Raila Odinga, has claimed that Beryl Odinga’s illness was triggered by the disputed outcome of the 2022 general election.
Speaking during the final send-off of Beryl Odinga in Bondo on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Omondi described the grief that has engulfed the Odinga family, noting that they have endured a double tragedy after losing several close relatives in a span of just two months.
Omondi recalled that the last conversation he had with Beryl took place when the 2022 presidential results were about to be announced.
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According to him, the family was confident that Raila Odinga would emerge victorious. Beryl, who was in Nairobi, had informed him that arrangements had already been made for air tickets from Kisumu to Nairobi for family members in Nyanza so that they could celebrate what they believed would be a historic win together in the capital.
“I can tell you the last time I spoke with my sister was the day that they were about to announce the results of the last general election. She called me, and she told me, ‘We are organising an air ticket for you people to fly from Kisumu to Nairobi,’” Omondi stated.
He said that everything changed once the results were declared. The outcome did not reflect what the family had anticipated. Omondi insisted that Raila Odinga won the election but that the victory was “subverted”, adding that it was at this point that Beryl’s health began to deteriorate.
“And you know what happened? We won, but things happened the way they did. And I think that’s the time my sister started being unwell,” he added.
During his tribute, Omondi spoke emotionally about Beryl’s special place within the Odinga family, stating that dealing with her loss has been extremely difficult. He described her as a cherished and irreplaceable member whose absence has left a tremendous void.
Her burial
The late will be laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in the family mausoleum, where his mother and father were buried.
Kisumu woman rep Ruth Odinga, during Beryl’s requiem mass at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, stated that the deceased was a close confidante of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga and that it was very difficult informing her of his demise.