Kenya in mourning as Raila Odinga’s sister Beryl Achieng dies 41 days after brother’s passing
Beryl Achieng Odinga, younger sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has died, the family announced on November 25, 2025. Photo/File
Beryl Achieng Odinga, younger sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has died, the family announced on Tuesday.
The news comes just 41 days after Raila Odinga’s death from cardiac arrest on October 15, 2025, while in India whee he was undergoing treatment.
Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga broke the news in an emotional Facebook post, writing: “It is with heavy hearts, yet in humble acceptance of God’s will, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga.
”The late Beryl, daughter of Kenya’s first Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Odinga, is survived by her children Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
She was sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Dr Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, and others, and sister-in-law to Dr Ida Odinga, Dr Anne Oburu, Hon Tabitha Osewe, and Judy Oburu, among others.
Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, echoed the family’s grief, saying the loss had left an immense void, but that they accepted God’s will.
Beryl Achieng Odinga passed away while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital after a prolonged illness that had seen her admitted on several occasions in recent years.
A trailblazer in public service, she made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city, and in 2020 served as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, where colleagues remember her diligent leadership.
Tributes poured in swiftly from across the political spectrum.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko praised her dedicated service at the water company, while ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale wrote: “Rest well, Aunty Beryl Odinga. This is heavy for the Odinga family.”
Silas Jakakimba revealed he had recently been informed by Ruth Odinga of Beryl’s deteriorating health, adding: “I convey my heartfelt condolences to the Odinga family and pray that all who knew her will cherish the beautiful memories shared.”
Prof Alfred Omenya offered prayers for divine grace upon the bereaved family, lamenting: “It was Raila, and before that settles, Beryl Achieng Odinga follows.”
The consecutive losses have plunged the Odinga family and the nation into renewed mourning, barely six weeks after Kenya laid Raila Odinga to rest on October 19, 2025, at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
