Family members, close friends, and national leaders gathered to give her a final send-off and celebrate a life devoted to service, humility, and generosity.
The burial came barely days after the Odinga family suffered another painful loss, making the ceremony deeply emotional.
Hundreds of mourners filled the homestead to honour Beryl, remembering her as a strong woman who lived quietly but left behind a powerful legacy.
Beryl passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She is survived by her children — Ami, Auma, Chizi, and Taurai — who led the family in paying tribute to their mother.
A Life of Service Beyond Borders
Beryl Odinga was known not just for her family name but for her professional achievements across East and Southern Africa.
She made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare in Zimbabwe, an accomplishment that earned her wide respect at a time when public leadership spaces were still largely closed to Africans.
After returning to Kenya, she continued her public service journey and later served as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company.
Those who worked with her described her as firm, principled, and deeply committed to improving public institutions.
Despite her achievements, Beryl lived a modest life and rarely drew attention to herself.
Ida Odinga’s Emotional Tribute
During the burial service, Mama Ida Odinga, Beryl’s sister-in-law, shared emotional memories that painted a picture of a warm, generous, and lively woman.
Ida recalled meeting Beryl during her university days, describing her as eloquent, cheerful, and full of life. She said Beryl had many friends and treated everyone with kindness, regardless of status.
“She was friendly to everyone and extremely generous,” Ida said, adding that Beryl never used her background to elevate herself above others.
One story that drew smiles and emotion from mourners was about Beryl giving away Ida’s dress to a friend who needed something nice to wear.
According to Ida, Beryl saw generosity not as a favour but as a way of life.
Her Final Days
Ida also spoke about Beryl’s final days, revealing that her health deteriorated after she returned to Kenya from Zimbabwe.
She visited her in hospital and found her surrounded by medical equipment, unable to speak.
The experience was deeply distressing.
Ida said she made the difficult decision to shield other family members from seeing Beryl in that condition, fearing the emotional impact it would have on them because of how close they were.
She added that the family was overwhelmed by grief as the losses came in quick succession, leaving little time to heal between them.
Tributes from Leaders and Friends
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also addressed mourners, revealing that he studied with Beryl at the University of Nairobi.
He described her as humble and well-mannered, noting that many classmates did not even know she came from a prominent political family.
“She never showed that she was different from the rest of us,” Kalonzo said.
“She related with everyone naturally.”
He also remembered her love for dancing, saying it was one of the qualities that made her joyful and approachable.
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