The family of the late Raila Odinga has confirmed the passing of his sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Her body will be transferred from Nairobi West Hospital to Lee Funeral Home. The announcement was made by Kisumu County Woman Representative and sister, Ruth Odinga.
“It is with a heavy heart but accepting the will of God we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” Ruth stated, adding that the family takes comfort in their faith and memories of her long and impactful life.
Born to the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga, Beryl was the fourth born in the influential Odinga family. She pursued her Form Six studies in 1972 before training as both a teacher and a lawyer. Her career took her to Zimbabwe where she became the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, the country’s third largest city, marking a historic milestone. She later served as Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
In Kenya, Beryl continued her public service, joining the board of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in January 2020 before rising to the position of Chairperson. Despite hailing from one of Kenya’s most prominent political families, she chose a relatively quiet public profile, focusing on administration and community service rather than elective politics.
Her life also included personal challenges. She married Otieno Ambala in 1974, who later served as Member of Parliament for Gem before his death in 1985. Raila Odinga reflected on her struggles during this period in his 2014 biography, The Flame of Freedom.
Beryl is remembered as a committed professional whose work spanned two countries and left a lasting legacy in public administration.
