Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has condemned a section of political leaders who caused commotion and slightly disrupted the funeral service of her late sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga.

In a statement on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Ruth called out some political leaders, claiming they arrived late and disrupted what was meant to be a peaceful service.

She further called them out for using the funeral to flex their political muscle.

“We had hoped that we would conduct her last rites in the peace she loved until some political characters decided to use the occasion to flex their political muscles, coming in late, causing unnecessary commotion. This was shameful,” part of Ruth Odinga’s statement read.

The commotion

The disruption began just as Ruth Odinga rose to deliver her tribute. Moments earlier, Ida Odinga had addressed the rowdy crowd, telling them firmly, “We are not interested in your politics. If she is not related (Beryl Odinga) to you, either go away or keep quiet.”

As Ruth spoke, some youth continued chanting and blowing vuvuzelas, drowning her tribute. The chants heightened as Kasipul MP Boyd Were moved to the front row, greeting leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.

Displeased, Ruth did not hold back. Turning to the group, she said, “This is so shameful of our leaders. This is wrong, disrupting the burial of Beryl Odinga.”

Difficult day

Despite the disruption, Ruth noted that it was difficult, especially for her, as she grew up together with Beryl Achieng. She narrated the special bonds they shared from childhood until their adult life.

“Today was another difficult day for the Odingas and everyone who shared in the love and warmth of sister Beryl Odinga, who we laid to rest at Kango ka Jaramogi. For me, it was particularly difficult considering the fact that other than the blood we shared, she was the only elder sibling around me while growing up,” Ruth Odinga wrote.

“As a young girl, circumstances had made everyone else be away from home. Our elder brother Oburu was studying in Russia, same to my sister Agola. Raila Odinga and Wenwa were in Germany. I was this little sister nobody had expected to ‘show up’. There was some unwritten consensus that no final lastborn would be on her way. But I did show up. There are childhood memories that will stay with me for a long time. “

Beryl was laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, in a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of mourners from across the political divide.

The funeral, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga homestead, drew national leaders, dignitaries, family, and friends who gathered to honour a woman whose life was marked by intellect, courage, and unwavering principle.