Beryl Achieng Odinga, a trailblazing lawyer, public servant, and sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at a hospital in Nairobi after a prolonged illness. Her death represents a profound loss for the Odinga family, coming just weeks after the nation mourned the passing of her brother on October 15, 2025.

The family confirmed her passing in a statement released by her sister, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga. “It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” the statement read in part. “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.”

Following the announcement, family members, including EALA MP Winnie Odinga, gathered at the Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi. They were joined by prominent political figures such as Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who came to offer their condolences. President William Ruto eulogised Ms. Odinga as a “pioneering professional” and a “visionary trailblazer” who inspired countless young professionals and opened doors for career women.

A Life of Public Service Across Borders

Born into Kenya's foremost political dynasty as the daughter of the nation's first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga, Beryl Achieng Odinga carved out her own distinct legacy away from the political spotlight. A trained teacher and lawyer, she completed her 'A' Level studies in December 1972 and was noted as the only one of her siblings to have attended both school and university entirely in Kenya.

Her professional journey was marked by significant achievements in both Kenya and Zimbabwe. In a historic appointment, she became the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe's third-largest city, during its post-independence era. Her work there was pivotal in shaping urban planning policy. She also served as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.

As detailed in Raila Odinga's 2014 biography, 'The Flame of Freedom', Ms. Odinga's move to Zimbabwe in the 1980s was also a personal flight to safety. She sought and was granted asylum there to escape an abusive marriage to the late Gem MP Otieno Ambala, who passed away in 1985. In 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 to the board in January 2020.

A Cherished Family Member

Despite her significant professional accomplishments, Ms. Odinga maintained a relatively private life. She was described by family as a devoted mother to her three children—Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai—and a cherished sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa, and Ruth Odinga, among others. Sources close to the family noted that her long illness had prevented her from attending her brother Raila's funeral in October, with her son reading her tribute on her behalf.

Her passing on November 25th coincided with what would have been the 40th day since her brother's death, a significant period in Luo mourning traditions. The family now faces another period of grief as they prepare to lay another beloved member to rest. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.