'Trailblazer, great intellectual': Ruto eulogises Raila's sister Beryl Achieng Odinga

President William Ruto has sent a message of condolence to the family of late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga following the death of his sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga, praising her as a trailblazer whose work left a mark across Africa.

In a heartfelt tribute issued on Tuesday, President Ruto described the late Beryl as a distinguished professional who broke barriers and built an admirable legacy in public service.

He noted that her career took her across the continent, beginning in the 1980s when she served as an exceptional urban planner in Zimbabwe, where “her expertise and commitment contributed to transformative urban development.”

Beryl later returned home and, in 2020, took up the mantle as Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company. The President said she led the institution with honour, pushing far-reaching reforms that strengthened its systems and improved service delivery for city residents.

“More recently, she served with honour as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company from 2020, championing far-reaching reforms that strengthened the institution and improved service delivery,” President Ruto said.

He mourned her as “a great intellectual and a pioneering woman who opened doors and lit the path for many career women,” adding that her legacy would continue to inspire generations.

“On my own behalf and that of all Kenyans, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga on Beryl’s passing,” he said.

The Odinga family earlier on Tuesday announced Beryl’s sudden passing, daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga.

In a Facebook post, the family described Beryl as a devoted mother to Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. 

"It is with a heavy heart, but in acceptance of the will of God, that we announce the sudden passing of Beryl Achieng Odinga. 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," read the post.