Beryl Lilian Achieng’ Mungwari Odinga, the younger sister of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has passed away at the age of 73. She will be laid to rest at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family cemetery in Siaya County. The burial preparations are underway, led by Raila Odinga Junior, who has been appointed to head the family’s planning committee.
According to Junior, the family has identified the final resting place for Ms. Odinga at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, following a series of meetings with family members and elders from the Jaramogi lineage. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who delegated the planning role to his nephew, also participated in the consultations. The burial is expected to take place at her ancestral home, where several Odinga relatives, including her late brother Fidel Odinga, are buried.
Ms. Odinga passed away on November 25 while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, excellence, and public service. She had a distinguished career in governance and urban development, having worked as a teacher, lawyer, and town planner. In Zimbabwe, she broke barriers as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, playing a central role in shaping post-independence urban policy.
Her contributions to urban development are still felt today, particularly in the Chitungwiza Town planning policy, where she served as Town Planning Director. Her designs helped modernize the urban framework, regulate peri-urban sprawl, and shape the town’s development trajectory for decades. Ms. Odinga’s life is a testament to her dedication to public service, leaving a lasting impact both in Kenya and abroad.
Ms. Odinga’s personal struggles, including an abusive marriage, are well-documented. She married Otieno Ambala in 1974, but the marriage ended with his death in 1985 while serving time at Kodiaga Prison. She later fled Kenya and sought asylum in Zimbabwe, where she rebuilt her life and career. Her story is an inspiration to many, and her legacy will continue to be felt in the years to come.
The family is expected to release further funeral arrangements and details in due course. Ms. Odinga’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes, celebrating her life and contributions to public service. Her commitment to excellence and resilience in the face of adversity will be remembered as a shining example of leadership and dedication.