Tributes continue to pour following the death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, with President William Ruto and other national leaders leading messages of sympathy to the grieving Odinga family. Beryl, the youngest sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, passed away at Nairobi West Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment.
President Ruto described Beryl as a distinguished professional and a pioneering woman whose work left a lasting impact across Africa. He recalled her early career in Zimbabwe during the 1980s, noting that “her expertise and commitment contributed to transformative urban development.”
He also highlighted her role as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, a position she held from 2020.
“More recently, she served with honour as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company from 2020, championing far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institution and improved service delivery,” President Ruto said.
He added that her legacy as a trailblazer would inspire many career women for generations to come.
“On my own behalf and that of all Kenyans, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga on Beryl’s passing,” he stated.
The Odinga family confirmed her passing in a Facebook post, describing Beryl as a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
"It is with a heavy heart, but in acceptance of the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. 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. 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," the post read.
Ruth Odinga said the family was struggling to cope with the loss, which came shortly after the death of their brother Raila.
Other leaders also expressed their sorrow. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said she was “deeply saddened” and acknowledged the emotional strain on the family.
“Losing Madam Beryl, especially so soon after the departure of Rt Hon Raila Odinga, weighs heavily on our hearts,” she said, offering prayers for Oburu, Ida Odinga, Ruth Odinga, Dr Wenwa Akinyi, and the wider family.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka described Beryl as a person of calm confidence and purpose.
"At this difficult time, my family and the Wiper Patriotic Front stand with the entire Odinga family. I have spoken to Senator Oburu Oginga and conveyed our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all," he said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna offered his support to the family, noting the past weeks had been extremely hard.
“To Dr Oburu and the entire Odinga family, accept my condolences on the death of your sister Beryl Achieng Odinga. It has been a very difficult last few days but we are here to support you and pray that God gives you the strength to overcome,” he said.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris also mourned her passing.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. My heartfelt condolences go to her children, the Odinga family, and all family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time,” she stated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen remembered Beryl as a respected professional whose contributions would not be forgotten.
“The loss is all the more devastating coming a little over a month after the passing of her brother and our political icon Raila Odinga,” he said, praising her “quiet leadership and wise counsel.”
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo also extended sympathies, saying he hoped the family would find “strength, comfort and peace.”
Beryl’s career spanned continents. She was once the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city, before returning to Kenya, where she later led Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company with distinction.
Her body was moved from Nairobi West Hospital to Lee Funeral Home on Tuesday afternoon, where family and close friends gathered in a solemn moment of grief. Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
