The Odinga family has announced the death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, a daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga.
In a statement released by Ruth Odinga, the family said Beryl died suddenly, noting that the news was received with a heavy heart but accepted as the will of God.
Beryl was a sister to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Senator Oburu Oginga, Akinyi Wenwa and Ruth Odinga. She was also mother to three children — Ami Auma, Chizi and Taure.
Her in-laws include Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Tabu Osewe and Judy Oburu.
The family said her death had left an “immense void,” but they were grateful for the time shared with her and the influence she had on many lives.
“We take solace in the belief that she is safe in the Lord’s arms,” Ruth Odinga said.
Beryl Achieng Odinga was a professional and public servant who, while coming from a very prominent political family, largely stayed out of frontline politics — instead contributing through civil service roles both in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
She was the daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president, from his first wife, Mary Auma.
Professionally, she trained as a teacher and a lawyer.
She made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.
She also worked in Zimbabwe as Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
Later, she returned to Kenya and served as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), a role she took up around 2020.
Beryl was known to keep a low public profile, unlike some of her more politically visible siblings.
She married Otieno Ambala in 1974. Ambala later became an MP for Gem, but their marriage was reportedly troubled; in his book The Flame of Freedom, Raila Odinga describes aspects of domestic difficulties in their union.
