Tension briefly overshadowed the funeral of Beryl Achieng Odinga after a group of noisy youth stormed the ceremony, prompting Ida Odinga to confront them and demand order before the programme could continue.
The commotion unfolded as family, friends and leaders gathered to honour the sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose life had been marked by years of public service both in Kenya and Zimbabwe.
Trouble started as Kisumu County Women Representative Ruth Odinga stood to deliver her tribute.
Moments earlier, Ida Odinga had already been forced to address the crowd after the group became restless at the back of the tent while waiting for Kasipul MP Boyd Were to enter.
With clear irritation, she appealed for calm, saying, “We are not interested in your politics. If she is not related (Beryl Odinga) to you, either go away or keep quiet.”
When Ruth began speaking, the same youth grew louder, shouting and blowing vuvuzelas as MP Were made his way toward the front. He moved along the row greeting leaders among them Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as the noise continued to rise from the group behind him.
The disruption forced Ruth to pause her tribute before turning her anger toward the MP and those causing the disturbance.
She told them, “This is so shameful of our leaders. This is wrong (disrupting the burial of Beryl Odinga).”
The Master of Ceremony then stepped forward in an attempt to restore calm as mourners watched the exchange in disbelief.
The incident broke the otherwise solemn atmosphere that had filled the service, held to honour a woman remembered for her long journey in public service and her quiet lifestyle away from the political spotlight.
Ruth Odinga had earlier confirmed that Beryl died last month, though the family did not reveal the cause of death. Beryl is survived by her four children: Ami, Auma, Chizi and Taurai.
A family statement released soon after her passing noted, “It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. Daughter of the late Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai.”
The statement went on, “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 and 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.”
Beryl, the fourth-born in the Odinga family, trained first as a teacher before later studying law. Although she hailed from a famous political family, she kept a low public profile, choosing instead to build her career quietly and away from political debates.
Her journey took her to Zimbabwe, where she made history as Mutare’s first Black Town Clerk, becoming the first African to hold that office in the city.
She later served as Company Secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, further cementing her reputation as a committed public servant.
Upon her return to Kenya, Beryl continued to take up leadership roles. In January 2020, she joined the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company board and was later appointed its chairperson, where she worked until her passing.
