‘We only meet at funerals’ – Ruth Odinga’s son decries fading family unity

Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga’s eldest son, Sankara Raila Odinga, has called on the Odinga family to strengthen their bonds, urging relatives to meet beyond funerals.

Speaking during the final send-off of his aunt, Beryl Odinga, in Bondo on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Sankara highlighted the growing distance among the third generation of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga lineage.

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He lamented that family interactions largely occurred during times of grief, leaving little room for celebrations or regular gatherings that foster cohesion.

“We only meet during funerals; we only come together when there is a catastrophe,” he noted, emphasising the importance of proactively maintaining family ties.

Call for togetherness

Sankara admitted he had been unexpectedly called to speak at the event and was initially nervous. However, he stressed that the message was crucial: the younger Odinga generation must organise gatherings, events, and other occasions to unite the family, rather than waiting for moments of loss.

“That if we are to have any other event, you know, we were – first of all, I’d like to say we know we were just ambushed by Nyakamami’s people to talk, so hence the nerves and not the – but what I wanted to say to the third generation is that let’s make sure that we meet, we get together, and we form a stable family going forward; we don’t just have to meet during funerals,” he said.

He urged the formation of a family caucus to plan future events, strengthen relationships, and ensure that the legacy of unity, compassion, and leadership is passed on.

According to him, regular engagement will not only preserve the family’s heritage but also offer guidance and support for younger members navigating challenges in life.

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Tribute to Beryl

In his heartfelt eulogy, Sankara described Aunt Beryl as more than just a relative; she was a unifier and a source of support in difficult times.

He recounted how she had stood by family members, including his mother, during illness and crises, and had consistently worked to bring relatives together.

Sankara concluded his speech by appealing to his cousins and the wider Odinga family to honour Aunt Beryl’s memory by embracing unity and compassion, ensuring that the family remains strong and connected for generations to come.

This marks the second death to hit the family in just three months, following the passing of Raila Odinga on October 15, making the recent loss even more profound for the Odingas.