Odinga Family Mourns the Sudden Death of Beryl Achieng Odinga
The Odinga family has announced the sudden death of Beryl Achieng Odinga, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga.
Beryl lived a quiet, private life, yet remained a respected member of the Odinga family. In a Facebook post, the family described her as a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
She was sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, the late Raila Odinga, and Akinyi Wenwa. She was also sister-in-law to Dr. Anne Oburu, Dr. Canon Ida Odinga, Hon. Tabu Osewe, and Judy Oburu.
The family said they were heartbroken by her passing but grateful for the time they shared with her. They noted that Beryl’s life left a deep impact on everyone who knew her.
Beryl built a remarkable career away from the public eye. She completed her Form Six studies in 1972 before pursuing teaching and law. She later made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.
When she returned to Zimbabwe as a resident, she rebuilt her career and became Company Secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
In Kenya, she continued her public service. She joined the board of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) in January 2020 and later served as its Chairperson.
She also maintained strong educational and social ties. During Oburu Oginga’s birthday celebration in October 2023, she revealed that she had schooled alongside former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974. He later died of a heart attack in 1985 while at Kodiaga Prison.
