The Odinga family has announced the sudden death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga.
Beryl, who maintained a largely private life despite belonging to one of Kenya’s most prominent political families, was described by relatives as a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. She was sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga, and Akinyi Wenwa, and sister-in-law to Dr. Anne Oburu, Dr. Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the family expressed profound sorrow, saying:
“It is with a heavy heart, but in acceptance of the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga… 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.”
The family added that Beryl’s life left an “immense void” but also a lasting impact on those she interacted with.
Although she preferred to stay out of the public spotlight, Beryl was a distinguished professional. She completed her Form Six (‘A’ Levels) in 1972 before building a dual career as a teacher and lawyer. She went on to make history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.
After returning to Zimbabwe as a bona fide resident, she rebuilt her professional trajectory, later serving as Company Secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
In Kenya, Beryl continued her service in public institutions. She was appointed to the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) board in January 2020 and later became the organisation’s Chairperson.
Beryl also had notable academic and social ties. During Senator Oburu Oginga’s birthday celebration in October 2023, she revealed that she had once been classmates with former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
She married Otieno Ambala in 1974, an aspiring legislator who later died in 1985 from a heart attack while at Kodiaga Prison.
Funeral preparations and further announcements from the Odinga family are expected in the coming days.
