Odinga family holds requiem mass for late Beryl Odinga
The requiem mass of the late Beryl Odinga has taken place in Nairobi’s Westlands, drawing members of the Odinga family and close friends who gathered quietly to honour her memory.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna shared photos from the service, showing Oburu Odinga, Ruth Odinga and Winnie Odinga standing together in calm reflection through his X handle on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
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The ceremony brought the family into the public eye once again, though the overall tone remained gentle and respectful.
Sifuna noted that the mass served as a moment of closeness for a family that has experienced several losses in a short span.
Ruth Odinga offered a warm tribute that resonated deeply with the attendees.
“Nyakawuor you were a true Chimurenga Woman. You embodied the true character of the Odingas, steadfast, resilient and courageous in the face of every struggle,” she said.
Her tribute also carried a message to those the family has lost over the years, including the late Raila, who died recently.
“Greet for us the ones who have gone before you, especially beloved Raila. Tell him we remember. Tell him we carry on,” she added.
Winnie Odinga stood alongside her relatives, sharing quiet moments with members of the extended family and offered her tribute to the late auntie.
Oburu Odinga, one of the eldest in the lineage, offered calm reassurance to attendees who came forward to pay their respects.
The service attracted a mix of relatives, long-time friends and supporters who have walked with the Odinga family through many seasons.
Mourning of Beryl Akinyi continues
As conversations drifted around the venue, many reflected on Beryl’s personality and the gentle presence she carried within the family.
She was described as warm, soft spoken and deeply committed to those she loved.
Her passing on November 25 was announced by Ruth Odinga, who shared the news with a heavy heart.
The cause of her death remains undisclosed, though the family emphasised that the loss had left a significant gap.
Beryl was a daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Oginga, and a devoted mother to Ami, Auma, Chizi and Taurai. Loved ones described her as a steady figure whose kindness and resilience shaped her relationships.
Her death came shortly after the country mourned the passing of her brother Raila Odinga, marking another difficult moment for the family.
For the leaders who attended the mass, the service acted as a reminder of the quiet battles families face beyond public life and the weight of grief that often sits behind formal tributes.
Beryl’s memory now lives on through her children, her siblings and the stories shared by those who knew her closely.
