Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was on Saturday laid to rest at her ancestral home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, in a solemn ceremony attended by hundreds of mourners from across the political divide.
The funeral, held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga homestead, drew national leaders, dignitaries, family, and friends who gathered to honour a woman whose life was marked by intellect, courage, and unwavering principle.
Speaker after speaker described Beryl as a brilliant professional, a devoted family woman, and a figure of quiet strength whose impact stretched across Kenya and beyond.
Family members shared intimate recollections that highlighted her depth of character.
Her sister, Wenwa Odinga, remembered her fearless disposition, recalling a day in their youth when she boldly stood up to their father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a moment that foreshadowed the courage and clarity that would define her adult life.
In a deeply emotional tribute, Mama Ida Odinga recounted her final visit to Beryl in the hospital.
“I went to see Beryl in the hospital, and she could not talk, and she had many gadgets on her, and I was very disappointed. And there I found her children," Ida said.
"So when I went back home, I told Raila, ‘Don’t go and see Beryl now; she is not okay,’ because I did not want Raila to see Beryl in that condition, because I knew it would kill him, because they were very close."
She described the loss as “a heavy blow coming too soon after Baba,” and said Beryl’s warmth, intellect, and quiet strength had long anchored the Odinga family.
ODM party leader and elder brother, Oburu Oginga, also paid tribute, thanking Kenyans for standing with the family and calling Beryl’s life a reminder of the value of humility, service, and personal integrity.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga noted that Beryl’s professional legacy stretched far beyond her family name.
“Her formidable legacy in law and development, in Kenya and Zimbabwe, and her vibrant spirit will never fade. A sad day at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. May her soul find eternal rest,” she said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka paid glowing tribute to Beryl’s contribution to sustainable development and urban planning. He said her professional ethos, rooted in order, functionality, dignity, and beauty, was a model Kenya should embrace.
“If Kenya truly desires to become the Singapore we often hear about, then we must adopt the kind of planning ethos that guided Beryl’s life,” he added.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa extended condolences on behalf of his party, praying for comfort and unity for the Odinga family during this difficult moment.
Throughout her life, Beryl balanced her professional pursuits with a strong commitment to family and integrity, earning admiration from colleagues and loved ones alike.
As she was laid to rest at Kang’o, leaders and mourners emphasised the importance of sending her off in peace, honouring a life defined by courage, intellect, and principled service to others.
