The Odinga family has announced burial arrangements for Beryl Achieng Odinga, younger sister of the late former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on November, 25, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital at the age of 78, just five weeks after Raila’s death.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Raila Odinga Junior, Raila’s son and Odinga family head, stated that his deceased aunt will be laid to rest on Sunday, 6th December 2025 at the family’s ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo about 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu.
“Beryl Lilian Achieng Mungwari Odinga of Jokawuor, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Juma Odinga, who leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and quiet impact. To come together in remembrance and celebrate her journey, a memorial service will be held at Consolata Shrine, Westlands, on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 at 9:00 a.m,” he said.
“We will lay her to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi on Saturday, 6th December 2025,” he added.
Earlier on Sunday, the Odinga family held an evening memorial mass and mini-fundraising ceremony in Nairobi.
Beryl’s career spanned teaching, law, and public service, reflecting a life dedicated to excellence and leadership. After completing her Form Six (‘A’ Levels) in December 1972, she pursued a career in teaching and law.
She made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city, where she played a pivotal role in post-independence urban development. Her work included designing and implementing the Chitungwiza Town planning policy, which modernized the city’s urban framework, curbed informal peri-urban settlements, and influenced its structure for decades.
Following her tenure in Zimbabwe, Beryl served as Company Secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, further consolidating her reputation as a trailblazer in public administration.
In 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974, an aspiring legislator who later became Member of Parliament for Gem. Their marriage faced challenges, including domestic abuse, and eventually ended, with Ambala passing away in 1985. Beryl, a resilient figure, fled Kenya in the 1980s with her children and was granted asylum in Zimbabwe, where she rebuilt her life and career.
During a 2023 birthday celebration for her brother Oburu Odinga, Beryl reflected on her educational journey, noting that she had attended school and university in Kenya and had been classmates with several prominent Kenyan leaders, including former Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, and Ida Odinga. She credited her brother Oburu for guiding her career path, encouraging her to pursue law despite initial struggles, reinforcing that arts subjects held equal value to mathematics.
Beryl’s contributions to urban development and public service were recognized across both Kenya and Zimbabwe.
She broke barriers for women in leadership, modernized cities, and strengthened public institutions, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to influence urban planning, governance, and women’s empowerment for years to come.
She is survived by three children; Ami, Auma, and Chizi.