| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Beryl Achieng Odinga |
| Date of Death | 25 November 2025 |
| Age at Passing | 78 years |
| Husband | Oscar Oundo (also referred as Otieno Ambala) |
| Children | Ami Auma, Chizi, Taurai |
| Parents | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga & Mary Ajuma Oginga |
| Siblings | Raila Odinga, Oburu Oginga, Akinyi Wenwa, Ruth Odinga, among others |
| Profession | Teacher, Lawyer, Urban Planner, Public Administrator |
| Notable Role | First Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe; Chairperson, Nairobi Water & Sewerage Company (NWSC) |
| Religion | Christian / Faith-based (family said she is “safe in the Lord’s arms”) |
| Tribe / Ethnicity | Odinga family (Luo) — not clearly documented in reliable sources |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Background
Beryl Achieng Odinga was born into the prominent Odinga family, the daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, and Mary Ajuma Oginga. She was one of many siblings, including political heavyweights like Raila Odinga and Senator Oburu Oginga.
Despite her family’s high political profile, Beryl lived a more private life. She was deeply committed to education and professional service, which would take her beyond Kenya.
Education & Career
Beryl combined teaching, law, and public administration in her career. According to reports, she studied through her school years (completing what would be A-levels) and went on to pursue higher education.
One of her major milestones was when she moved to Zimbabwe and became the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city. After returning to Zimbabwe as a resident, she rebuilt her professional life and served as the Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
Later, she returned to Kenya and continued her public service. In January 2020, she was appointed to the board of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), eventually becoming its Chairperson. Her work earned her recognition as a trailblazer, especially in urban planning and water utility management.
Family & Personal Life
Beryl was married to Oscar Oundo (some sources refer to him as Otieno Ambala), a politician. Her marriage, however, had its challenges and was spoken about publicly on occasion.
She was a devoted mother to her three children: Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. Her sister, Ruth Odinga, announced Beryl’s passing and paid tribute to her as a strong pillar in the Odinga family.
Faith, Tribe & Net Worth
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Religion: Though Beryl kept much of her personal beliefs private, her family’s statement after her death expresses comfort in their faith: they said she is “safe in the Lord’s arms.” This strongly suggests she was a Christian, or at least deeply spiritual.
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Tribe / Ethnicity: While no reliable source explicitly details her tribal affiliation, the Odinga family is ethnically Luo. (Note: this is inferred by family association; not every biography source states her tribe directly.)
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Net Worth: There is no credible public record that reliably documents Beryl Achieng Odinga’s net worth. Her life was more defined by public service than by wealth accumulation, based on available reports.
Legacy and Influence
Beryl Achieng Odinga’s life stands out for her quiet but powerful impact. Though she was part of one of Kenya’s most influential political families, she carved her own path—first in Zimbabwe where she broke racial barriers in city management, later in Kenya where she played a critical role in water governance.
Leaders from across Kenya described her as an intellectual, a strong professional, and a “pillar” of moral integrity. Her death on 25 November 2025 came at a difficult time for the Odinga family, just weeks after her brother Raila Odinga passed away.
FAQs about Beryl Achieng Odinga
Q: How old was Beryl Achieng Odinga when she passed away?
A: She was 78 years old.
Q: Who was her husband?
A: She was married to Oscar Oundo (also referred to in some sources as Otieno Ambala).
Q: How many children did she have?
A: Three — Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
Q: Who were her parents?
A: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma Oginga.
Q: Did she belong to any particular tribe or religion?
A: Her tribe isn’t clearly documented in public sources, but the Odinga family is widely known to be Luo. Her family’s tribute suggests she was Christian, as they said she was “safe in the Lord’s arms.”
Q: What was her net worth?
A: There’s no reliable public record of her net worth; she was primarily known for her professional work and public service rather than wealth.
Conclusion
Beryl Achieng Odinga lived a remarkable and trailblazing life. She balanced her roles as a lawyer, teacher, urban planner, and public servant with grace, humility, and dedication. Her service in Zimbabwe and Kenya reflected her commitment to institutional development and public welfare. Though she preferred a life outside the glare of political limelight, her contributions left a lasting mark—especially as a link between her influential Odinga family and broader public service. Her passing on 25 November 2025 leaves a legacy of professionalism, quiet strength, and service.
