The Odinga family is once again in mourning after the passing of Beryl Achieng, the sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga.
Beryl died on November 25 after a long battle with cancer, marking yet another heartbreaking moment for the family.
On Wednesday morning, Ruth Odinga opened up about her loss through a deeply emotional message on Facebook.
On Wednesday morning, Ruth Odinga opened up about her loss through a deeply emotional message on Facebook.
Alongside her tribute, she posted a rare throwback photo featuring herself, Raila, and Beryl during their childhood years — a picture many Kenyans had never seen before.
In the black-and-white photograph, the three siblings stand closely together. A young Raila is dressed in a patterned vintage shirt, while Beryl appears in a long dress with a white headscarf.
In the black-and-white photograph, the three siblings stand closely together. A young Raila is dressed in a patterned vintage shirt, while Beryl appears in a long dress with a white headscarf.
Ruth, standing on one end, wears a mixed-color dress and a bright yellow head wrap. The picture captures a warm, innocent moment long before politics and public life shaped their adult years.
Ruth accompanied the image with a short but moving message:
“My buddy, my bestie, my friend. Greet Raila. Sweet sis. Nyakawour.”
Her message quickly drew reactions from Kenyans who knew how close she was to her siblings. Many expressed shock that Ruth has now lost two siblings within a short period — a pain that supporters agreed must be unbearable.
Before her passing, Beryl had been undergoing treatment for cancer. Family members had occasionally shared updates showing that she was in and out of hospitals both in Kenya and abroad as she fought the illness.
On the day she passed away, family activities were underway at Lee Funeral Home, where her body had been taken.
Ruth accompanied the image with a short but moving message:
“My buddy, my bestie, my friend. Greet Raila. Sweet sis. Nyakawour.”
Her message quickly drew reactions from Kenyans who knew how close she was to her siblings. Many expressed shock that Ruth has now lost two siblings within a short period — a pain that supporters agreed must be unbearable.
Before her passing, Beryl had been undergoing treatment for cancer. Family members had occasionally shared updates showing that she was in and out of hospitals both in Kenya and abroad as she fought the illness.
On the day she passed away, family activities were underway at Lee Funeral Home, where her body had been taken.
In photos shared online, Winnie Odinga was seen comforting her cousin Tairai, Beryl’s son, as relatives gathered to support each other.
The family had earlier explained why Beryl was unable to attend Raila’s funeral service. In a past video, Raila’s older brother Oburu Oginga revealed that she had been too ill to participate.
The family had earlier explained why Beryl was unable to attend Raila’s funeral service. In a past video, Raila’s older brother Oburu Oginga revealed that she had been too ill to participate.
He introduced her son, who read her tribute on her behalf.
Ruth’s post attracted hundreds of condolence messages from friends, leaders, and ordinary citizens. Many encouraged her to stay strong despite the heavy emotional burden she was carrying.
Some of the messages included:
“May her soul rest in peace with the Almighty.”
“Losing two siblings within months is heartbreaking. May God comfort you.”
“May you find strength in the Lord during this difficult time.”
“We pray for peace and grace for your family.”
Others shared memories of how close the siblings were and how often Beryl’s illness had quietly weighed on the family.
This latest tragedy has added to an already painful season for the Odinga family. Just weeks earlier, they held a 40-day mourning ceremony for Raila, and many had hoped the family would get a moment to heal.
Ruth’s post attracted hundreds of condolence messages from friends, leaders, and ordinary citizens. Many encouraged her to stay strong despite the heavy emotional burden she was carrying.
Some of the messages included:
“May her soul rest in peace with the Almighty.”
“Losing two siblings within months is heartbreaking. May God comfort you.”
“May you find strength in the Lord during this difficult time.”
“We pray for peace and grace for your family.”
Others shared memories of how close the siblings were and how often Beryl’s illness had quietly weighed on the family.
This latest tragedy has added to an already painful season for the Odinga family. Just weeks earlier, they held a 40-day mourning ceremony for Raila, and many had hoped the family would get a moment to heal.
Instead, Beryl’s death has reopened wounds and reminded them of the fragility of life.
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