Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka led political figures in mourning Beryl Achieng Odinga at a requiem mass on Wednesday, celebrating a public servant whose influence crossed Kenyan borders. The service at the Consolata Shrine in Westlands, Nairobi, drew friends and family to honour a woman known for her quiet yet profound impact.

The death of Beryl Odinga on November 25, 2025, marks another deep loss for one of Kenya's most prominent families, coming just weeks after the passing of her brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. For many Kenyans, her passing signifies the end of an era and a moment to reflect on a legacy of public service that often thrived away from the political spotlight.

Musyoka, who studied law with Beryl at the University of Nairobi, recalled her defining qualities. “Beryl carried herself with a calm confidence, humility, and a quiet sense of purpose. These qualities stayed with her throughout her life,” Kalonzo noted in a tribute. He emphasized that her passing was a “profound loss to a family that has given so much to our nation.”

A Legacy Forged in Kenya and Zimbabwe

While a member of a famous political family, Beryl Odinga carved her own professional path in both teaching and law. She made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe's third-largest city, where she was a pivotal figure in post-independence urban development. Her work there included designing planning policies that modernized the urban framework and curbed informal settlements.

Upon her return to Kenya, she continued her career in public service, most recently serving as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) following her appointment in 2020.

A Quiet Pillar of Strength

Beryl Odinga, who passed away at 78 while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, was described by her family as a devoted mother and a cherished sister. Despite facing personal hardships, including an abusive marriage that led her to seek asylum in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, she built a respected career and life.

• Born: Into the family of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga.
• Died: November 25, 2025, in Nairobi.
• Key Roles: First black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe; Chairperson of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.
• Survived by: Children Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai, and siblings including Senator Oburu Oginga.

The Odinga family has announced she will be laid to rest on December 6, 2025, at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. Her life stands as a testament to resilience and dedicated service, a legacy her former classmate urged Kenyans to remember.