Leaders condole with Odinga family following Beryl Achieng's death

Beryl Achieng’ Odinga

Condolence messages continue to pour in following the death of Beryl Achieng’, the youngest sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Beryl, who was also sister to Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, died on Tuesday at Nairobi West Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment.

Her passing comes barely six weeks after the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, a double tragedy that has left the Odinga family and their wider political circle reeling.

A family source told the Star that Beryl had also spent time in the Indian facility where Raila had been admitted before his death, underscoring the difficult period the family has endured.

Confirming the family’s loss, Senator Oburu described the moment as profoundly painful.

“It is with heavy hearts, yet in humble acceptance of God’s will, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga, my sister. Beloved daughter of the late Hon Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Beryl was a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai,” he said.

Ruth said the family was devastated by the loss.

Following the news, leaders from across the country offered words of comfort, recognising both the personal loss to the Odinga family and the public profile Beryl held through her service and family heritage.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said she was “deeply saddened” by the news, noting that the loss was particularly heavy given the family had only recently buried Raila.

In her message, she acknowledged the emotional strain facing the family.

“Losing Madam Beryl, especially so soon after the departure of Rt Hon Raila Odinga, weighs heavily on our hearts.”

Wanga expressed hope that the Odinga family would “find the strength and comfort” needed to endure the moment.

She added that she was praying for Senator Oburu, Ida Odinga, Ruth Odinga, Dr Wenwa Akinyi and the extended family.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he learnt about Beryl's death "with great sadness", describing her as someone who "carried herself with calm confidence, humility and a strong sense of 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 described the past weeks as extremely difficult for the family and assured them of his support.

“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 Beryl, reflecting on the closeness of her passing to that of the late Raila Odinga.

“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.

Messages of condolence also came from the national executive with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen describing Beryl as a distinguished professional whose contributions in public service would be remembered.

“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.

He praised her “quiet leadership and wise counsel,” praying that her soul rests in peace and that her family finds comfort.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the entire Jaramogi family remained in the prayers of many Kenyans.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the larger Jaramogi family following the passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” he said, adding that he hoped the family would find “strength, comfort and peace” during this period.

Beryl was a distinguished professional and trailblazer whose professional life spanned continents and careers, leaving an indelible mark in both Kenya and Zimbabwe where she once served as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.

On Tuesday afternoon, her body was moved from Nairobi West Hospital to Lee Funeral Home, where family and close friends gathered to receive her remains in a solemn moment of grief.

The Odinga family is expected to release funeral arrangements in the coming days.