- Raila Odinga’s widow Ida Odinga paid a moving tribute to her late sister-in-law, Bery Achieng’, who died after a long illness
- She revealed the reason she barred Raila from seeing his sister when her condition deteriorated and why she urged the family not to inform Achieng’ of Raila’s death
- Ida reminded ODM leaders of Oburu Oginga’s position in the party and appealed to leaders to allow them mourn amid infighting within the party leadership
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Siaya: The widow of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, has recounted her close relationship with her deceased sister-in-law, Beryl Achieng’.
Source: Facebook
Ida and Achieng’ first met while studying at the University of Nairobi. She described Beryl as generous and loving, recalling how she often bought gifts for children.
“It is not easy to talk about Beryl. She was friendly, wonderful, and a very loving person,” Ida said.
Ida revealed that when Achieng’ became ill after returning from Zimbabwe, she was devastated to see her in critical condition.
Why Ida didn’t tell Raila of Beryl Achieng’s sickness
She admitted that the sight of Achieng’s suffering made her fear for Raila, given the closeness of the siblings.
“I once went to see her in the hospital. She could not talk. She had all these gadgets. I was very disappointed, and there I found her children, Taurai and Ami. When I went back, I told Raila, ‘Don’t go and see Beryl now; she is okay.’ I didn’t want Raila to see her in that condition. I knew it would kill him because they were very close,” Ida recounted.
She further disclosed that after Raila’s death, she urged the family not to reveal the tragic news to Achieng’, fearing the impact it would have on her fragile health.
“When Raila went to India and passed away, I told the family not to tell Beryl. I don’t know whether they kept that promise, but I didn’t want to go and see her because I knew I could not bear the pain. Somehow, somebody must have revealed the secret to her, and here we are today. I was still mourning Raila, and now Beryl,” Ida said.
Source: Facebook
What did Ida tell ODM leaders?
Ida also appealed to ODM leaders and supporters to refrain from politicking and causing chaos online while the family is still grieving.
She reminded them that the party leader is Siaya senator Oburu Oginga and urged them to respect the family’s pain.
“With the Odingas, you know how we feel. When people are urging us to do certain things, please leave us alone for a little while. What has happened to us is very painful,” she added.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
