BONDO, Kenya – A sombre farewell for Beryl Odinga in Bondo briefly turned tense on Saturday after members of the Odinga family publicly appealed for calm amid disruptions linked to political supporters.
Mama Ida Odinga, speaking firmly during the ceremony, urged young people gathered outside the main tent to stop causing disturbances, stressing that the burial was not a political event.
“Be quiet for a moment — the young people outside the tent, especially those who came with politicians,” she said. “My name is Ida Odinga, speaking for the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family. Please keep quiet and allow us to send our sister off in peace.”
Ida emphasised that the family would not entertain political theatrics at a moment of mourning.
“We are not interested in your politics. Whether you support a politician or not, that is not why we are here,” she added. “If Beryl was not your relative and you came here to disrupt, please leave or remain silent.”
She noted that some of those causing commotion were students, saying their status did not grant them permission to interrupt the solemn event.
Her remarks came as other family members also expressed frustration over the interruptions.
Dr Akinyi Wenwa, Beryl’s sister, said the noise was overshadowing the purpose of the day.
“Politicians, you’re spoiling our sister’s burial,” she said. “If you know your supporters are likely to cause disruptions, why not arrive early? It is unfair.”
The area MCA, Tabu Osewe Odinga, issued a stern rebuke, suggesting that some disruptions may have been orchestrated.
“In case anybody paid people to cheer when they arrived — while we are mourning Aunt Beryl — it is cheap and desperate,” she said.
Tributes to a Principled Life
Despite the disruptions, the funeral drew relatives, friends, and leaders who celebrated Beryl Odinga’s life and legacy.
Speakers described her as peaceful, courageous, intelligent and deeply committed to both her family and her profession.
Dr Wenwa recounted moments that showed her sister’s boldness — including an instance in which Beryl stood up to their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Throughout her life, Beryl was remembered as a woman who balanced professionalism with integrity, earning admiration from colleagues and relatives alike.
The family urged mourners to honour her memory by maintaining peace throughout the ceremony.
