Beryl Achieng Odinga Biography
Beryl Achieng Odinga lived a life full of strength and quiet success. She was the youngest sister of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister. Born into a famous political family, Beryl chose a different path. She focused on education, law, and public service instead of politics. Her story shows how one person can overcome hard times and make a big difference in communities.
Beryl faced personal challenges, like an abusive marriage, but she turned them into chances for growth. She moved to Zimbabwe and became a leader in city planning there. Later, she returned to Kenya to help improve water services in Nairobi. She passed away on November 25, 2025, at age 78, after a long illness. Her life teaches us about resilience and helping others without seeking fame.
This article looks at her early years, schooling, work life, personal hardships, key successes, and more. It aims to share facts to help readers learn about her in a simple way.
Beryl Achieng Odinga Early Life
Beryl Achieng Odinga was born around 1947 in Kenya’s Nyanza region. She was the youngest child of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, and his wife Mary Ajuma Odinga. Growing up in a home full of political talks, Beryl saw the struggles for Kenya’s freedom from British rule. Her family played a big role in the country’s history after independence in 1963.
The Odinga home was busy with ideas and activism. Jaramogi was a leader who fought for fair rights. Mary Ajuma raised the children with strong values. Beryl learned early about hard work and staying true to oneself. Unlike her brothers and sisters who often went abroad for school due to political troubles, Beryl stayed in Kenya for her studies.
Her family included several siblings who became wellknown in public life. Here is a list of some key family members:
- Oburu Oginga Odinga, a senator and older brother.
- Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister.
- Ruth Odinga, Kisumu County Woman Representative.
- Other siblings like Akinyi Wenwa and Ngire Omuodo Agola, who have passed away.
Beryl was the quiet one in this lively group. She avoided the spotlight but supported her family in her own way. Her childhood in the 1950s and 1960s shaped her into someone who valued education and service over power.
Beryl Achieng Odinga Education
Beryl finished her high school, known as Form Six or ALevels, in December 1972. She was the only Odinga child to complete all her schooling in Kenya. This choice came during a time when her family faced political issues, like her father’s detentions.
At university, Beryl studied to become a teacher and a lawyer. She shared classes with future leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, who became Vice President, and Anyang Nyong’o, now Kisumu Governor. Ida Odinga, Raila’s wife, was also a classmate. Beryl once said at her brother Oburu’s birthday in October 2023 that math was hard for her. Oburu encouraged her to try law instead.
Her education happened in the 1970s, a tough time for women in Kenya. Few girls went to university then. Beryl’s success showed her determination. She used her degrees to build a career in teaching first, then in law and public work. This background helped her later in roles that needed planning and leadership skills.
Beryl Achieng Odinga Career
Beryl started her work life as a teacher in Kenya. She used her training to help students learn. But her path changed due to personal reasons. In December 1980, she moved to Zimbabwe to escape troubles at home. There, she got asylum and joined the Ministry of Local Government.
In Zimbabwe, which had just gained independence, Beryl helped build new systems. She became the first Black town clerk of Mutare, the country’s thirdlargest city. This was a big step, as she was also the first woman in that role. She worked on city planning to make towns better after colonial rule.
Later, as Town Planning Director at Chitungwiza Town Council, she created policies to stop unplanned settlements. Her ideas helped shape how cities grew. She also served as company secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe, focusing on homes for people.
Beryl became a resident in Zimbabwe and bought a house in Mutare. She remarried John Mugawiri and had a son named Raila Mugawiri. Years later, she returned to Kenya. In 2020, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko named her Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company. There, she pushed for better water services and fixed problems like leaks.
Her career showed a focus on public good. She worked in government and planning for over 40 years, always staying out of politics.
Beryl Achieng Odinga Marriage and Personal Struggles
Beryl married Otieno Ambala in 1974. He was a businessman in real estate and fast food, with a degree from Howard University. Ambala wanted to run for parliament in Gem, and he hoped the Odinga name would help. But Jaramogi Odinga did not approve of the match.
The marriage turned bad. Ambala became abusive, and Beryl suffered from violence. They had two children, Ami Auma and Chizi. In Raila Odinga’s book “The Flame of Freedom” from 2014, he wrote about how he helped Beryl leave.
In December 1980, Raila bought plane tickets for Beryl and her kids to go to Harare, Zimbabwe. Ambala followed and took her to court for custody. A judge in Zimbabwe sent the case back to Kenya, where Ambala won custody at first. He even took her passport.
Raila stepped in again. He got help from friends in Uganda for a new passport. Beryl went to Kampala, then Tanzania, and back to Zimbabwe. She filed for divorce. Ambala lost his seat in parliament in 1983 and died of a heart attack in Kodiaga Prison in 1985.
These years were hard for Beryl. She raised her children alone at first and rebuilt her life in a new country. Her story highlights issues like domestic violence and the need for support. Later, she remarried and had another child, Taurai (also known as Raila Mugawiri).
Beryl Achieng Odinga Achievements
Beryl’s work left a lasting mark on urban planning. In Zimbabwe, as Mutare’s first Black town clerk, she led changes after independence. She improved city services and planning.
Her biggest success was the Chitungwiza Town planning policy. As director, she designed rules to manage growth and reduce slums. This helped thousands live better. Her efforts cut unplanned areas and set examples for other cities.
At the Housing Corporation, she worked on affordable homes. Back in Kenya, as NWSC Chairperson from 2020, she fixed water issues. She made the company more efficient and accountable.
Beryl inspired women in Africa. She showed how to lead in maleled fields. Leaders like President William Ruto praised her as a pioneer in 2025. Her legacy includes better cities and stronger women.
Conclusion
Beryl Odinga lived a life of quiet power. From her early days in a political family to her triumphs in Zimbabwe and Kenya, she chose service over fame. She overcame abuse and exile to build a career that helped many. Her death on November 25, 2025, came after a long fight with illness, including treatment in India.
Beryl teaches us to be strong and kind. Her story reminds readers that true leaders work behind the scenes. She left a family and policies that continue her work. Kenya and Zimbabwe are better because of her.
FAQs
Who was Beryl Odinga?
Beryl Achieng Odinga was a Kenyan teacher, lawyer, and urban planner. She was Raila Odinga’s youngest sister and made history in Zimbabwe.
What is Beryl Odinga’s family background?
She was born to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mary Ajuma. Her siblings include Oburu, Raila, and Ruth Odinga.
How did Beryl Odinga die?
She passed away on November 25, 2025, at Nairobi Hospital after a prolonged illness.
What was Beryl Odinga’s career?
She taught in Kenya, then worked in Zimbabwe as town clerk of Mutare and planning director. Later, she chaired Nairobi Water in 2020.
Was Beryl Odinga married?
Yes, first to Otieno Ambala in 1974, which ended in divorce after abuse. She later remarried John Mugawiri.
What were Beryl Odinga’s achievements?
She was the first Black town clerk in Mutare, created key planning policies, and reformed water services in Nairobi.