Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sister of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has died in Nairobi after a long illness, the family has confirmed.
Confirming the news, her sister Ruth Odinga said the family was devastated of the tragedy that comes fives weeks after Raila's passing on October 15, 2025.
“It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga,” Ruth said.
She did not disclose the cause of death that occurred on Tuesday morning from Nairobi Hospital.
However, The Star newspaper, quoting an unnamed family source, said the late Achieng had been in and out of medical facilities for an extended period.
“She had also been admitted at the Indian facility where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had been admitted,” the newspaper quoted the source as saying.
Ruth described Beryl as a devoted mother and a strong pillar within the Odinga family.
“Beryl was a loving mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taure,” she said. “She was sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Rt Hon Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa and myself, among others.”
Despite their deep sorrow, Ruth said the family was taking comfort in their faith.
“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,” she said.
“We 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.”
Although born into one of East Africa’s most prominent political families, Beryl maintained a low public profile and seldom engaged in active politics.
She built her career in public service and administration, making history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.
In 2020, she was appointed chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), adding to a record of leadership roles across public institutions.
Beryl Achieng Odinga is remembered as a dedicated professional who contributed quietly but significantly to public service in Kenya and beyond.