Raila Odinga is one of Kenya’s most recognizable political figures, but behind his long public life stands a remarkable family whose influence stretches across politics, academia, diplomacy, law, and public service.
Born to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila grew up in a household that valued education, leadership, and service to society. His siblings—both living and deceased—each played their own role in shaping the Odinga legacy.
This article offers a well-researched and complete guide to Raila Odinga’s siblings, answering one of the most searched questions about the Odinga family.
Who Are Raila Odinga’s Siblings?
Raila Odinga comes from a family of nine siblings, some of whom passed away at a young age, while others rose to national and international prominence. Below is a detailed look at each of them.
1. Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga
Dr. Oburu Oginga Odinga is the firstborn in the Odinga family and a seasoned Kenyan politician.
He currently serves as the Senator for Siaya County, a position that keeps the Odinga political legacy firmly rooted in Nyanza politics. Over the years, Oburu has held several senior government roles and is widely respected as a political strategist and elder statesman.
2. Ngire Omwuoda Agola (Deceased)
Born in 1947, Ngire Omwuoda Agola was among the Odinga siblings whose life was cut short.
He passed away in 1983 at the age of 36, long before he could fully realize his personal or professional ambitions. Despite his short life, he remains an important part of the Odinga family history.
3. Dr. Akinyi Wenwa Odinga
Dr. Akinyi Wenwa Odinga, the fourth-born, is one of the most academically accomplished members of the Odinga family.
She served as Kenya’s ambassador to the United States, representing the country at one of the highest diplomatic levels. In addition, she is a retired senior lecturer in organic chemistry at the University of Nairobi, where she mentored generations of Kenyan scientists.
Her career blends diplomacy, academia, and public service.
4. Beryl Achieng Odinga (Deceased)
Beryl Achieng Odinga was both a teacher and a lawyer, and her legacy extends beyond Kenya’s borders.
She made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe, a remarkable achievement during a time when racial barriers were deeply entrenched in public administration in Southern Africa.
Her contribution remains one of the most internationally significant among Raila Odinga’s siblings.
5. Fredrick Odima Oginga (Deceased)
Born in 1954, Fredrick Odima Oginga passed away tragically in 1975 at the age of 21.
His death marked one of the earliest personal losses in the Odinga family and deeply affected the household during Raila Odinga’s formative years.
6. Omondi Oginga (Deceased)
Master Omondi Oginga was born in January 1956 but sadly passed away in September of the same year, barely months old.
Though his life was brief, he remains part of the Odinga family lineage.
7. Shadrack Osewe Oginga (Deceased)
Born in 1958, Shadrack Osewe Oginga was a businessman who preferred to live away from the public spotlight.
Unlike his politically active siblings, he chose a private life focused on enterprise. He passed away in 1999, five years after the death of their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
8. Ruth Adhiambo Odinga
Ruth Odinga is the youngest surviving of Raila Odinga’s siblings and a prominent political figure in her own right.
She is the current Kisumu County Woman Representative and previously served as the Deputy Governor of Kisumu County (2017–2022). Ruth has built a reputation around grassroots mobilization, women’s empowerment, and social development.
9. Pauline Oginga
Pauline Oginga is the last-born child of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
She currently serves as the Head of the Civil Service in Mombasa County, making her one of the most senior county administrators in Kenya. Unlike some of her siblings, Pauline has focused on public administration rather than elective politics.
The Legacy of Raila Odinga’s Siblings
Together, Raila Odinga’s siblings represent a family deeply embedded in Kenya’s political, academic, and administrative history. From senators and ambassadors to educators, lawyers, and civil servants, the Odinga family reflects a tradition of leadership that spans generations.
Their collective story helps explain why the Odinga name continues to carry weight in Kenyan public life.
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