Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya who passed away on October 15, 2025, was born into the esteemed Odinga family. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President, was a key figure in the country’s political history. Raila’s mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, played an equally influential role in the family’s legacy. Raila was one of eight children, and while some of his siblings are still alive, others have passed on. The family has a rich history, with various members playing significant roles in Kenya’s political, educational, and business sectors.
Oburu Odinga
Oburu Odinga, born in 1943, is the firstborn son of Jaramogi and Mary Odinga. He is a respected figure in Kenyan politics and serves as the current Senator for Siaya County. Oburu has a doctorate in economics and has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the Assistant Minister of Finance in the Grand Coalition government. His political journey has spanned decades, and he has been a prominent figure in the Odinga family’s continued political influence.
Ngire Omwuoda Agola
Ngire Omwuoda Agola, the second-born son, was born in 1947 and tragically passed away in 1983 at the age of 36. Agola’s death was shrouded in controversy, as he died shortly after being released from prison, where he had been held under suspicious circumstances. Agola had diabetes, and prison officials failed to provide him with the necessary medical treatment, which led to his untimely death. His passing remains a poignant moment in the Odinga family’s history.
Dr. Akinyi Wenwa
Dr. Akinyi Wenwa, Raila’s sister, was a former ambassador and a retired senior lecturer in Organic Chemistry at the University of Nairobi. Dr. Akinyi served as the Consul General at the Kenya Consulate in Los Angeles, USA, and has a long history in the public sector. She was the first woman to head the Pyrethrum Board of Kenya, where she made significant strides in research and development. Akinyi has also contributed to several governance boards and continues to play an active role in Kenya’s development.
Beryl Achieng
Beryl Achieng, another of Raila’s siblings, is an accomplished teacher and lawyer. She made history as the first black Town Clerk in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Beryl also served as the Company Secretary for the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe and later became the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company. Her career spans various sectors, and she has been an influential figure in public service. Beryl’s life has not been without challenges, as she faced personal struggles, including an abusive marriage. However, she rose above adversity and made significant contributions to Kenya’s corporate sector.
Fredrick Odima Oginga
Fredrick Odima, born in 1954, passed away in 1975 at the young age of 21. His death was reportedly a suicide, and it was a tragic moment for the Odinga family. Fredrick’s life was cut short, leaving a lasting impact on his family, especially on Raila, who has often referenced the pain of losing his brother at such a young age.
Omondi Oginga
Master Omondi Oginga was the next in line, born in January 1956. Sadly, Omondi passed away later that same year, making his life a brief one. His passing as an infant is a painful chapter in the family’s history, adding to the list of premature losses experienced by the Odinga family.
Shadrack Osewe
Shadrack Osewe, born in 1958, was a businessman who led a private life. He passed away in 1999, five years after his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, died. Shadrack is buried alongside his family at the Odinga homestead in Bondo, continuing the family’s tradition of being closely connected to their ancestral land.
Ruth Odinga
Ruth Odinga, the youngest of Raila’s siblings, has made her own mark in Kenyan politics. Ruth served as the Deputy Governor of Kisumu from 2017 to 2022 and was later elected as the Kisumu Woman Representative in 2022. Ruth has had a varied career, including leadership roles in business and education. She holds degrees in social science and development studies and has been an advocate for social change throughout her life. Ruth’s achievements have earned her respect in Kenya’s political arena, and she continues to serve as a role model for many.
Conclusion
Raila Odinga’s siblings have made substantial contributions to Kenya’s development across various fields. While some of them, such as Oburu Odinga and Ruth Odinga, continue to hold influential political positions, others, like Ngire Agola, Fredrick Odima, and Omondi Oginga, are no longer with us. The Odinga family’s legacy remains one of political significance and resilience, with each sibling playing their part in shaping Kenya’s history.
