The late Beryl Achieng Odinga, sister of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, died on November 25, 2025. She was the first black mayor of Mutare, Zimbabwe, and a trailblazer in law, governance, and public service.
What most do not know that Beryl survived domestic violence during her first marriage. She fled countries to escape abuse and was saved by her brother, Raila Odinga.
Beryl’s first husband, Otieno Ambala, who later became an MP for Gem, abused her physically and verbally. He tried to control her life, and his behavior worsened as his political career advanced.
In the 1980s, Beryl, afraid for her life, fled Kenya with her children to seek asylum in Zimbabwe.
But Ambala pursued her and tried to use Kenyan laws to take custody of their children, since women needed their husband’s consent to hold a passport.
Raila Intervenes for Beryl Odinga
Raila Odinga stepped in quietly to help her. He secured a Ugandan diplomatic passport, which allowed Beryl to live safely in Zimbabwe, out of her ex-husband’s reach.
She eventually divorced Ambala and later remarried John Tamisayi Mungwari, building a new life. Ambala died of an apparent heart attack in prison in 1985. He was imprisoned for the 1985 murder of Horace Ongili Owiti, who had defeated him in the 1983 elections.
During this time, Beryl also suffered a stroke while caring for her baby, yet she stayed determined and focused on her career. She credited her siblings, especially Oburu Odinga, for encouraging her to follow her path. Although she struggled with mathematics, Oburu reassured her that arts subjects were just as valuable, which helped her pursue law.
Beryl schooled with Kalonzo Musyoka.
She also served as Company Secretary of the Housing Corporation of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC). Even with these achievements, her personal life was full of challenges.
Beryl Odinga leaves behind her children Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. She is remembered as a trailblazer who overcame domestic abuse, health struggles, and personal obstacles.
By Vivian K.