The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga, has passed away. According to a family source who spoke to The Star by phone, she died on Monday while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, where she had been admitted earlier. Her death has come as a significant blow to the Odinga family, who have recently endured profound loss and sorrow.
Beryl was the youngest member of the Odinga household, a family with a long-standing legacy in Kenya’s political and social landscape. Unlike her more publicly recognized siblings, she chose to maintain a calm and private lifestyle, steering clear of the political spotlight that often surrounded her family. Her preference for a quiet, low-profile life did not, however, diminish her impact or achievements in the fields she worked in.
One of her most notable accomplishments was her historic appointment as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, the third-largest city in Zimbabwe. Her elevation to this role marked a groundbreaking moment that underscored both her competence and her ability to excel beyond Kenya’s borders. Her leadership in Mutare contributed to administrative reforms and signaled a shift toward greater inclusivity in public office.
Beryl continued to distinguish herself through professional service when, in 2020, she was appointed Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC). In this position, she played a part in guiding the organization responsible for supplying water and sanitation services to millions of Nairobi residents. Her tenure reflected her commitment to improving public service delivery and her capacity to lead complex institutions with integrity and diligence.
Throughout her career, Beryl Achieng Odinga established herself as a highly trained professional who carried out her responsibilities with dedication. Her leadership roles across different public institutions highlighted her competence, discipline, and dedication to community service.
Despite belonging to one of Kenya’s most influential political families, Beryl remained focused on her professional journey rather than public political engagement. Her life represents a balance between personal privacy and impactful service, leaving behind a legacy defined not by political prominence but by meaningful contributions to society in Kenya and beyond.
By Nairobi