The Odinga family is mourning once again after the death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Her passing has cast a heavy cloud of grief over one of Kenya’s most prominent political families.

A family source confirmed that Beryl died on Monday at a Nairobi hospital, where she had been receiving treatment.

“She died today at a Nairobi hospital where she had been admitted,” the source told the Star. The source added that Beryl had been battling illness for a long time and had spent months in and out of hospital.

“She had also been admitted at the Indian facility where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had been admitted,” the source said.

Ruth Odinga, speaking on behalf of the family, described the loss as heartbreaking. “It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” she said.

Ruth portrayed Beryl as a loving mother and a strong anchor within the Odinga household.

“Beryl was a loving mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taure,” she said. “She was sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa and myself, among others.”

She further acknowledged the extended family, noting Beryl’s deep bonds with her in-laws: “She was sister-in-law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Hon Tabu Osewe and Judy Oburu.”

Despite the immense sorrow, Ruth said the family was drawing strength from their faith. “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,” she said. “We are thankful for the invaluable gift of the time we were privileged to share with her and for the profound impact she had on all who knew her.”

Although Beryl belonged to a powerful political dynasty, she lived a quieter, more private life than her siblings. Even so, she made her own mark through public service. She became the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city, and in 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

Beryl Achieng Odinga leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership, and quiet dedication, a life of service lived away from the limelight but deeply felt by those who knew and loved her. Her passing leaves a painful void in the family and the wider community she served.