THE LATE PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA’S SIBLINGS.

He collapsed during a morning walk at around 8:30 a.m. Indian time within the premises of an Ayurvedic wellness center where he was recuperating after suffering a mild stroke in Kenya. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, including CPR, he was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m.

The cardiac arrest was linked to his existing health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and the recent stroke. His death occurred in Koothattukulam, Kerala, India, while under medical care with his family present ​.

He was part of one of Kenya’s most influential families. Born to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and Mary Ajuma Odinga, Raila was the second-born son in a family deeply rooted in leadership, education, and public service.

Raila’s family legacy is not only marked by his own political journey but also by the contributions of his siblings.

The Odinga Siblings: Who Are They?

Raila Odinga had eight siblings in total, some of whom are still alive, while others have passed away. The family home and final resting place, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, located in Nyamira, Bondo, Siaya County, is a significant site where many family members are buried.

The Odinga family homestead, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Siaya County, symbolizes the family’s political legacy, housing graves of several family members and serving as a heritage center.

The family’s contributions span from political leadership, diplomacy, academia, to grassroots development and business, continuing the legacy of their patriarch, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President ​.

Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga is a seasoned Kenyan politician born in 1943. He is the eldest son of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, and elder brother to Raila Odinga and Ruth Odinga. Oburu has a strong academic background, having attended Soviet Secondary School in Moscow, followed by earning a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in economics from the People’s Friendship University.

His political career spans several decades. He served as the Member of Parliament for Bondo Constituency from 1994 to 2013 and was Assistant Minister for Finance in the Grand Coalition Government from 2008 to 2013.

He was nominated MP between 2013 and 2017 and served as a Member and Commissioner at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from 2018 to 2022.

In 2022, Oburu was elected senator for Siaya County. He chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Energy and sits on several key Senate committees.

Oburu is also known for his autobiography, “In the Shadow of My Father,” where he reflects on his life and legacy against the backdrop of his father’s towering role in Kenya’s history.

He remains influential in regional and national politics, leveraging his long experience in economics and governance ​.

Set to follow is Ngire Omuodo Agola. He was one of Raila Odinga’s siblings who faced significant hardship.

 He was diabetic and imprisoned on allegations related to causing an accident.

During his incarceration, prison authorities obstructed his access to insulin, worsening his diabetic condition. Though he was later freed by a court that found him not guilty, the delay and denial of proper treatment severely damaged his health, leading to his death in his 30s shortly after release from prison.

His story reflects the grim challenges faced by members of the Odinga family during difficult political and social times in Kenya

Ngire Omwuoda Agola, born in 1947, who passed away in 1983.He died at the age of 36

After Agola, Dr. Akinyi Wenwa, a distinguished former ambassador followed. A retired Senior Lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, Dr. Akinyi also previously served as the Consul General at Kenya’s Consulate in Los Angeles, USA.

Her career in the public sector is equally notable. At the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya in Nakuru, she advanced from Senior Chemist in charge of Research and Development to Chief Chemist, making history as the first woman to lead a department within the organization.

Beyond her scientific and diplomatic contributions, Dr. Akinyi has played a key role in governance. She has served on the boards of several institutions, including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kenya National Archives, Bondo Technical Training Institute, and Maseno School.

She continues to give back to the community as the patron of Atilili School in Bondo and Nyatindo School in Oyugis, Homa Bay County.

Currently, Dr. Akinyi is a Commissioner on the Homa Bay County Revenue Board. There, she chairs the Human Resource Committee and is responsible for overseeing the county’s health revenue stream, including activities in Rachuonyo South Sub-county.

Beryl Achieng came  after Akinyi, she is a trailblazing figure who made history as the first black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city.

A professional teacher and lawyer, Beryl has had a distinguished career. After completing her Form Six studies in 1972, she built a life in Zimbabwe, serving as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe.

 In January 2020, she became the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC).

Personally, Beryl married Otieno Ambala, an aspiring politician, in 1974. However, their marriage was marked by abuse, as revealed in Raila’s biography, “The Flame of Freedom.” Ambala later became the Member of Parliament for Gem. Sadly, he passed away in 1985 due to a heart attack.

Beryl has also had the opportunity to connect with notable figures, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, whom she attended school with. Today, she continues to serve in various capacities, including her role at NWSC.

 Fredrick Odima Oginga (1954-1975), who tragically took his own life at a young age he came after Beryl.

Omondi Oginga (1956), who sadly passed away in infancy he came right after Odima.

Shadrack Osewe (1958-1999), a private businessman and the youngest son of Jaramogi. He passed away 5 years after their father.

Ruth Odinga started her education at Xaverian Primary School in Kisumu, where she attained the East African Certificate of Primary Education (EACPE) in 1973.

 She later proceeded to The Kenya High School, completing her East African Advanced Certificate of Education (EAACE) in 1981.

She completed her A Levels before pursuing higher education at the University of Oslo. There, she earned a degree in Social Science in 1985, followed by a postgraduate certificate in Development Studies in 1989.

Her career began in the private sector, where she held key leadership positions. From 2005 to 2011, she served as Managing Director and Director of Sales, Marketing & CSR at Spectre International Limited, later rising to the position of Chief Executive Officer between 2011 and 2013.

Before that, Ruth was the Managing Director at Petro Plus Africa from 2002 to 2005. She also worked as a Development Officer in London and with the African Community Development Association from 1998 to 2002.

Earlier in her career, she taught Geography at Marina International High School in The Gambia between 1992 and 1995, marking the beginning of her diverse professional journey.

Ruth Odinga is currently serving as the Women Representative for Kisumu County in the National Assembly, a position she was elected to in August 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

She’s also the founder and chairperson of the Kenya Network of Women Governors (KEWOG).

She was the youngest of them all.