Remembering Beryl Achieng Odinga: A Quiet Trailblazer in the Odinga Dynasty
Beryl Achieng Odinga, the youngest sibling in Kenya’s illustrious Odinga family, passed away on 25 November 2025 at a Nairobi hospital, leaving behind a legacy of public service, professional excellence, and dignified quietude. While her brother, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, Beryl charted her own path — one defined by competence, integrity, and a commitment to community.
Early Life and Education
Born into a family of political giants, Beryl Achieng was the daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president, and Mama Mary Ajuma Odinga. She was the youngest among many siblings, including Raila Odinga, Oburu Oginga, and Ruth Odinga.
Beryl completed her Form Six (A-Levels) in December 1972. Her academic choices reflected both her strengths and her self-awareness: she once admitted that mathematics had never come easily to her, which guided her toward a career in law and teaching rather than more numerically intensive fields.
A Career Out of the Spotlight
Unlike some of her politically active siblings, Beryl largely avoided public political life. Instead, she built a distinguished career in public administration and service, often in high-responsibility but under-publicised roles.
One of her most significant achievements came outside Kenya: she made history in Zimbabwe as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, the country’s third-largest city.Her work in Zimbabwe extended beyond that role — after being granted residency, she served as Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
On returning to Kenya, Beryl continued her public service. In January 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), where she was praised for her steady leadership, strong ethics, and focus on reform.
Personal Life & Family
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974. Ambala was an aspiring politician, and their marriage, unfortunately, was fraught with challenges. Reports — including from The Flame of Freedom, a biography by her brother Raila — indicate that Ambala was abusive, and the marriage came under strain. Tragedy struck when Ambala died in 1985 of a heart attack while imprisoned in Kodiaga Prison.
Together, Beryl and Ambala had three children: Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai (sometimes spelled Taure).Despite her family’s political clout, Beryl was described by her siblings as a “devoted mother” — someone who prioritized her children and provided a stable presence in their lives.
Legacy of Leadership & Influence
Beryl’s life is a powerful example of what it means to lead quietly. She never sought the limelight that naturally came with her family name, but her professional achievements carried weight and lasting impact.
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Trailblazer in Zimbabwe: As Town Clerk, she played a role in shaping post-independence local governance in Mutare.
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Public service in Kenya: In her role at NWSC, Beryl contributed to reforms and a more accountable structure in a vital public utility.
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Mentorship and inspiration: While she was not overtly political, her life inspired many, particularly those who value public service without the trappings of political ambition.
At a 2023 celebration in Siaya (for her brother Oburu Odinga’s birthday), she revealed that during her education, she had studied alongside prominent figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, former Vice President of Kenya, and Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kisumu Governor. She also shared that among her siblings, she was the only one who both studied and attended university in Kenya — a fact that highlighted her grounded, local roots.
Her Passing and The Family’s Grief
On 25 November 2025, Beryl passed away at Nairobi West Hospital, reportedly after a prolonged illness. Her death came less than two months after the passing of her brother Raila Odinga, casting a deep shadow over the Odinga family during a time of mourning.
In a public statement, her sister Ruth Odinga expressed profound grief:
“It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga.” (
Ruth described her as a stabilizing force, a "quiet pillar" in their family who combined professionalism with compassion. (Capital FM)
Why Beryl’s Story Matters
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Redefining Legacy: In a family known for political activism, Beryl’s life shows that impact doesn’t always come from the ballot box. Her leadership in public administration demonstrates a different but equally valuable form of legacy.
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Representation: As a Black woman in senior public service roles in both Kenya and Zimbabwe, she broke barriers that many would find hard to cross.
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Service over spotlight: Her choice to keep a lower public profile underscores the power of humility. Beryl’s influence was not built on mass rallies but on competence, trust, and consistent dedication.
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Family and resilience: Despite personal struggles — including an abusive marriage and the early loss of her husband — she remained grounded, committed to her children and her profession.
Beryl Achieng Odinga was not the most public of the Odingas, but her life was one of substance, purpose, and quiet transformation. She showed that one could be born into a political dynasty yet choose a path driven by service and integrity rather than power.
Her passing is a reminder that legacy is multifaceted: not only in grand political gestures, but also in the steady work behind the scenes, in institutions, and in the lives of ordinary people. As Kenyans and admirers of the Odinga family reflect on her life, Beryl’s story should be celebrated — not just as a sibling of a national icon, but as a formidable, principled, and caring leader in her own right.
Source:
(Kenya Times), (Capital FM) Yokoreports
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