President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning Beryl Achieng Odinga, the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing her as an accomplished professional whose work left a lasting mark in Kenya and abroad.
In his message on Tuesday, November 25, Ruto celebrated Beryl’s legacy as a pioneering expert in the field of urban planning.
"The late Beryl Achieng Odinga was a trailblazer whose distinguished professional journey took her across the African continent, from Kenya to Zimbabwe. She made her mark as an exceptional urban planner in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, where her expertise and commitment contributed to transformative urban development," he said.
Ruto further highlighted her leadership in recent years, particularly her role in steering reforms within one of Nairobi’s most critical public utilities.
"More recently, she served with honour as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company from 2020, championing far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institution and improved service delivery," he added.
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Ruto further said the country had lost a formidable mind and a woman who inspired generations of Kenyan professionals.
"We mourn the loss of a great intellectual and a pioneering woman who opened doors and lit the path for many career women. On my own behalf and that of all Kenyans, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga on Beryl’s passing," he concluded.
Elsewhere, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen expressed his sorrow at the news, acknowledging the grief facing the family following Raila's death just weeks earlier.
"My heartfelt condolences to Senator Oburu Oginga, Dr Wenwa Akinyi, Hon Ruth Odinga and the entire Jaramogi family following the passing of Beryl Achieng. The loss is all the more devastating coming a little over a month after the passing of her brother and our political icon Raila Odinga," he said.
Murkomen highlighted Beryl’s professional contributions and the quiet but firm leadership she demonstrated throughout her career.
"Beryl was a distinguished professional who made immense contributions to society through her public service roles in Kenya and abroad. Her quiet leadership and wise counsel will be dearly missed. May the Almighty God grant Beryl’s soul rest in eternal peace and comfort her family during this very difficult time," he added.
ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also sent his condolences, saying the Odinga family had endured a difficult period and assured them of the party’s support.
'To Dr. Oburu and the entire Odinga family, accept my condolences on the death of your sister Beryl Achieng Odinga. It has been a very difficult last few days but we are here to support you and pray that God gives you the strength to overcome," he stated.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris remembered Beryl as a compassionate and grounded figure whose loss would be felt by many who knew her.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga, younger sister of our Late Baba Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. My heartfelt condolences go to her children, the Odinga family, and all family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time," she said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also paid an emotional tribute, noting that Beryl’s death, coming so soon after Raila’s, had compounded the collective sorrow felt by the Luo community and the country.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Madam Beryl Achieng' Odinga. I want to take this moment, on behalf of the people of Homa Bay County and my family, to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire family of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga during this incredibly difficult time.
"Losing Madam Beryl, especially so soon after the departure of Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, weighs heavily on our hearts. To Senator Dr Oburu Odinga, Cannon Mama Ida Odinga, Hon Ruth Odinga, Dr Wenwa Akinyi, and all your families, I pray that you find the strength and comfort you need to navigate through this profound loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers," she stated.
The news of Beryl's passing was confirmed by Raila’s younger sister, Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, who stated that Beryl passed away on Tuesday, November 25.
In the announcement, Ruth conveyed the family’s grief and acknowledged Beryl’s place within the wider Odinga lineage.
"It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. Daughter to the Late Hon Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. Mother to Ami Auma, Chizi and Taurai.
"Sister to Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila Odinga, Akinyi Wenwa amongst others. Sister in law to Dr Anne Oburu, Dr Canon Ida Odinga, hon Tabu Osewe and Judy Oburu," she announced.
Ruth further expressed the family’s sorrow while emphasising their gratitude for Beryl’s life and legacy.
"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 and 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," she concluded.
