The late Beryl Odinga, sister to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, will be laid to rest on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County, says the family.
Raila Odinga, Jr, the late Raila's son, announced on his official social media pages on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
A memorial service in Beryl's honour will be held at the Consolata Shrine in Westland's Nairobi, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
"Honouring a life that deeply touched our entire family and all who knew her. Beryl Lilian Achieng Mungwari Odinga of Jokawuor, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Juma Odinga, who leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and quiet impact," posted Raila Jr.
Beryl, who passed away on November 25, 2025, while receiving treatment in hospital, was 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.
