Raila Odinga’s sister Beryl Achieng dies
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 25, 2025Beryl Achieng Odinga, the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, has died.
The news was announced on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, by her sister, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.
In her statement, Ruth said the family had accepted the will of God but was deeply shaken by the sudden loss. She described Beryl as a daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga and a mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai.
Ruth also listed her surviving siblings, including Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga, and Dr Wenwa Akinyi, as well as several in-laws who had been close to Beryl.
“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,” she posted.
“Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai, sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa, amongst others. Sister-in-law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe and Judy Oburu.”
“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 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.”
Another tragedy for Odingas
This bereavement comes just weeks after the family buried Raila, who died on October 15, 202,5, in Kochi, India. His death triggered national mourning, leading to a week of reflection across the country and a state funeral attended by national leaders and dignitaries. He was laid to rest on October 19, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County. Now, the family faces another blow as they grieve one of their own again.
Beryl lived most of her life away from the political spotlight that defined the Odinga family for decades. While many Kenyans are familiar with figures such as Oburu, Raila and Ruth, Beryl preferred a quieter and more private path. Even so, she built a solid career and earned respect for her work in public service.
One of her most notable achievements came in Zimbabwe, where she became the first Black person to serve as the Town Clerk of Mutare, the country’s third-largest city. The appointment marked a significant breakthrough and placed her among the accomplished professionals of her generation. She later returned to Kenya, where she continued to serve in various leadership positions.
In 2020, Beryl was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC). Her tenure came at a time when the company faced public pressure over water shortages and system inefficiencies. She worked with the board and county officials to stabilise operations and improve accountability. Colleagues described her as firm, discreet and committed to her work.
Family members have often spoken about the Odinga household as a place shaped by duty and loss. Jaramogi, Kenya’s first Vice President, had 17 children with four wives. Beryl belonged to the first house of Mama Mary Ajuma.