The Odinga family has announced the passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sister of opposition leader and African Union Commission chairperson candidate Raila Amolo Odinga.
Family spokesperson and nephew Jaoko Odinga confirmed the death in a brief statement issued on the evening of November 24, 2025. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Beryl Achieng Odinga at Nairobi West Hospital earlier today,” the statement read. “Beryl was the youngest in the Odinga family and a pillar of love and quiet strength to all who knew her. We request privacy as the family comes to terms with this immense loss.”
Beryl Achieng, born in 1962, was the last-born daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Jaramogi. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and siblings including Raila Odinga, Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga, and Wenwa Akinyi Odinga.
Sources close to the family indicated that Beryl had been admitted to Nairobi West Hospital for a brief illness late last week. Despite medical attention, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to her death on Monday afternoon. Her body was moved from Nairobi West Hospital to Lee Funeral Home on the evening of November 24, where it is being preserved pending funeral arrangements.
Raila Odinga, who is currently campaigning for the African Union Commission chairmanship across the continent, immediately suspended his scheduled activities upon receiving the news. Family members said the former prime minister was informed while in Addis Ababa and was making arrangements to return to Kenya as soon as possible.
Oburu Oginga, the eldest surviving sibling and Siaya Senator, speaking from the family home in Bondo, described Beryl as the baby of the family who brought joy even during the most difficult times. “She was our little sister, the one who always reminded us to laugh, to forgive, and to stay together,” he said. “Even when the family faced political persecution, detention, and exile, Beryl remained the quiet glue that held us emotionally. Her sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled.”
Ruth Odinga, former Kisumu Deputy Governor and another sibling, paid tribute to Beryl’s devotion to family and community. “Beryl was never in the public eye, but she was the heart of our home,” Ruth said. “She took care of Mama Mary in her final years with such tenderness, and she was always the first to visit any family member who was sick or in need. We have lost a true sister, mother, and friend.”
Beryl maintained a deliberately low public profile throughout her life, choosing to stay away from politics despite the prominence of her family name. Friends described her as a successful businesswoman who ran several enterprises in Kisumu and Nairobi while quietly supporting numerous charitable causes, especially those focused on women and children in Siaya County.
A close family friend who spoke on condition of anonymity said Beryl had been in good health and spirits only days before her admission. “She attended a family gathering in Karen just last weekend,” the friend said. “She was laughing, dancing with her grandchildren, planning Christmas. No one saw this coming. It has shocked everyone.”
The Odinga family has requested that well-wishers refrain from visiting the homes in Bondo and Karen for the time being to allow the immediate family time to grieve privately. Funeral arrangements will be announced once Raila Odinga returns to the country and the family convenes to make decisions.
Condolence messages have begun pouring in from across the political divide. President William Ruto sent a message through State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the Odinga family during this difficult time. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and several governors from the Nyanza region have also sent messages of comfort.
Beryl Achieng Odinga is remembered by those who knew her as a warm, generous, and deeply spiritual woman who embodied the values of unity and compassion that her late father Jaramogi championed. Her passing marks the end of an era for the Odinga family, as the last-born of the first generation departs, leaving behind a legacy of quiet service and unwavering family loyalty.
Further details regarding the cause of death and funeral programme will be communicated by the family in due course.
