Ruth Odinga moves hearts with touching tribute to Beryl
By Cynthia Lodite, December 6, 2025Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has delivered an emotional tribute to her late sister, Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, offering a rare glimpse of how her sister often reminded them they were indeed from a royal family.
Speaking on Saturday, December 6, 2025, during the burial ceremony held in Bondo, Siaya County, Ruth Odinga narrated how classy her sister was and ensured her siblings were aware of their family background.
“Beryl was a classy lady. She believed, and I think it is true anyway, that we come from a royal background, and therefore we must always remain royal, and that was my sister Beryl,” Ruth narrated.
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Ruth, who is the lastborn daughter of the family, narrated that Beryl always had an American accent, which she brought out effortlessly.
“She would tell you, ‘You know what I mean’ (in an American accent). Are you getting it? Because that is Aunty B for you,” Ruth narrated.
In what was rarely had during her days, Ruth recalled reading comic books while in class four, books that were introduced to her by her sister, who dearly loved reading books.
“She taught us impeccable English; she taught us how to read comic books when I was in class four…she loved to read,” she recalled. She added, “Beryl taught all of us how to use a fork and a knife.”
Elegance
Speaking in Kisumu on Friday, December 5, 2025, during the requiem mass of the late, Ruth described the loss as one of the most challenging moments the Odinga family has faced.
At the time, Ruth painted a picture of Beryl as a woman who embodied elegance and dignity in every aspect of her life.
“My sister Beryl was a very peaceful lady. She loved peace; she was a lady with class, with a lot of decorum. She carried herself with a lot of decorum. She was private, and she loved her peace.”
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Further, Ruth urged mourners to honour Beryl in a manner that reflects the life she lived—calm, respectful, and dignified.
“I will urge anybody who is coming to mourn with us: please let us bury Beryl with the kind of peace she liked and the peace she lived.”