Sibling love: Remembering the moment Raila Odinga introduced her sister Beryl in rare public appearance
During Senator Oburu Oginga’s 80th birthday celebration, Raila Odinga introduced his sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga, in a rare public appearance.
The introduction drew attention because Beryl had largely stayed out of public and political events involving the Odinga family.
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When she spoke, Beryl stated that she did not usually take part in politics. She said many people knew her siblings but did not know her. She introduced herself as Beryl Achieng Odinga and noted that she was the only one among her siblings who studied in Kenya.
She also said that some of her former teachers and colleagues were present at the event, mentioning the late Raila’s spouse, Ida Odinga and Anyang’ Nyong’o.
“I normally do not indulge in politics. Today is a big day for us, the Odingas. I felt like I must talk about my brother Oburu; people always say they don’t know me. They only know my sister Ruth and Akinyi. My name is Beryl Achieng Odinga, and I’m proud to say that amongst my siblings, I’m the only one who studied here in Kenya. And I’m sure I have colleagues here, like Mama Ida Odinga, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o as a teacher,” Beryl said at the time.
Also watch: ODM joins Kenyans in mourning Raila Odinga’s sister Beryl Achieng.
Career and family
Beryl worked as a teacher, trained in law, and later held administrative roles, including serving as a town clerk in Mutare, Zimbabwe. She was the daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Oginga, and a sibling to Raila Odinga, Oburu Oginga, and others in the Odinga family.
Her life also held personal struggle: she was married to Otieno Ambala in 1974, but the marriage ended under difficult circumstances. Raila Odinga, in his book The Flame of Freedom, describes how Beryl endured an abusive marriage.
Death of Beryl Achieng
Beryl Achieng Odinga died on November 25, 2025, at the age of 78, while receiving treatment in Nairobi. Her passing came one month after the country mourned the death of her brother, Raila Odinga.
The news of Beryl’s death was first confirmed by Raila Odinga’s elder sister, Ruth Odinga, who revealed that she passed away on Tuesday, November 25. The family has not disclosed the cause of her death.
Beryl Achieng Odinga was widely known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for her loved ones. She was the daughter of Kenya’s first Vice President, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Mary Ajuma Oginga, and a devoted mother to her three children, Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
“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 Hon Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. Sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa, among others. Sister-in-law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Hon Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu,” Ruth Odinga stated.
“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.”
