Drama at Beryl Odinga’s burial in Bondo as Ida confronts rowdy youth
Ida Odinga stepped in to calm rowdy youth who disrupted the funeral of her sister-in-law, Beryl Odinga, in Kisumu, as family members urged respect during the burial ceremony.
Tension flared at the funeral of Beryl Achieng Odinga, the sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, when a group of youth disrupted the proceedings, forcing Ida Odinga to step in and restore order.
What should have been a quiet farewell turned into a scene watched closely by mourners and political leaders alike.
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The disruption began just as Kisumu County Women Representative Ruth Odinga rose to deliver her tribute.
Moments earlier, Ida Odinga had addressed the rowdy crowd, telling them firmly, “We are not interested in your politics. If she is not related (Beryl Odinga) to you, either go away or keep quiet.”
As Ruth spoke, some youth continued chanting and blowing vuvuzelas, drowning her tribute.
The chants heightened as Kasipul MP Boyd Were moved to the front row, greeting leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
Displeased, Ruth did not hold back. Turning to the group, she said, “This is so shameful of our leaders. This is wrong, disrupting the burial of Beryl Odinga.”
The Master of Ceremony soon after intervened, calming the crowd so the funeral could continue and mourners could focus on remembering Beryl.
The disruption cast a temporary shadow over the service, which celebrated a woman who dedicated her life to public service while maintaining a low profile despite her famous family.
Ruth confirmed that Beryl passed away last month, though the family did not disclose the cause of death. She leaves behind four children: Ami, Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.
A family statement read: “It is with a heavy heart, but accepting the will of God, we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga, daughter of the late Jaramogi Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga, and mother to Ami, Auma, Chizi, and Taurai.”
The statement continued, “While we are deeply saddened by her demise and the immense void left in our lives, we take solace in the belief that she is safe in the Lord’s arms. We are thankful for the invaluable gift of the time we were privileged to share with her and for the profound impact she had on all who knew her.”
Beryl, the fourth-born in the Odinga family, trained as a teacher before earning a law degree. Though her family was at the centre of Kenyan politics, she preferred a quiet life and focused on administrative leadership rather than politics.
She made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare in Zimbabwe, and later served as Company Secretary at the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.
Upon returning to Kenya, she joined the board of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company in 2020 and later became its chairperson.
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