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Who was Beryl Achieng? Life and legacy of Raila Odinga’s younger sister
25th November, 2025 04:43 PM
Beryl Achieng, the younger sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has died, leaving behind a legacy of professional excellence and quiet influence.
While she largely avoided the spotlight, Achieng built an impressive career and earned respect both in Kenya and beyond.
Also watch: Raila Junior shaves head in Luo mourning rite
Early life and education
Growing up in the prominent Odinga family, she witnessed first-hand the challenges and triumphs of a household deeply engaged in Kenya’s political landscape.
Acheing completed her Form Six (‘A’ Levels) studies in December 1972 and went on to pursue dual careers as a teacher and lawyer, demonstrating a strong commitment to education and public service.
Legacy and career
She made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city. After returning to Zimbabwe as a bona fide resident, she rebuilt her career and later served as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, earning recognition for her professionalism and leadership.
Upon returning to Kenya, Acheing continued her dedication to public service.
In January 2020, she was formally appointed to the board of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) and later became Chairperson, playing a key role in steering the organisation’s strategic direction and contributing to the country’s water management initiatives.
Though she avoided media attention, Acheing’s impact was deeply felt by those around her. She was known for her humility, dedication, and the quiet support she gave to her family.
Family
She was married to Otieno Ambala, who later died of a heart attack in 1985 while at Kodiaga Prison.
The couple later had two children, Auma and Chizzy, but their marriage soon fell apart because of ongoing domestic abuse.
Also watch: The Odinga Family: A legacy of love, unity, and leadership
The late former prime minister, in his biography, dubbed The Flame of Freedom, recounted how his sister was trapped in an abusive marriage.
Acheing’s death
Acheing’s death comes just weeks after the family buried the former Prime Minister, who died on October 15, 2025, in Kochi, India.
She died at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. The news of her death went public after her sister, Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, announced it on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
Ruth, in her statement, said the family was deeply shaken by the sudden loss but accepted the will of God, adding that Achieng was a daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga and a mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai.
She also listed her surviving siblings, including Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga, and Dr Wenwa Akinyi, as well as several in-laws who had been close to Beryl.
“It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. Daughter to the late Hon. Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga,” she posted.
“Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai, sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa, amongst others. Sister-in-law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe and Judy Oburu.”
“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.”
