Kalonzo during Beryl’s burial. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/kalonzomusyoka 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has opened up about his long-standing relationship with the late Beryl Achieng Odinga, revealing that despite studying alongside her at the University of Nairobi, he believed he never stood any chance of dating her.

Speaking during Beryl’s burial held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Kalonzo recalled that his connection with the Odinga family began long before he personally knew Raila Odinga.

 

 

 

Kalonzo said his first encounter with Beryl was as a fellow student at the University of Nairobi’s law school, where he later realised they were age-mates despite having been born months apart.

“My history with this family began even before I came to know Raila, because this sister lying here today, Beryl, was in the same class with me at the University of Nairobi, although I later noticed that she had been born in March, while I was born in December. So we are correct age mates,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo shared that even as a young woman, Beryl carried herself with a quiet dignity that reflected the strong upbringing she had received.

He added that she blended in effortlessly with her classmates and never revealed that she was the daughter of Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

According to Kalonzo, the entire class completed their studies without knowing her political lineage, as she remained humble and at ease among her peers.

“But even there in law school, we saw from her style and character that she had had a very good upbringing, because she never showed that she was Jaramogi’s daughter. We did not know that, and we even finished that period of school without knowing that Beryl was actually the daughter of the Vice President. She was completely at ease with us,” he added.

Kalonzo went on to recall how Beryl’s love for dancing became well known among those who studied with her, noting that former Cabinet Secretary Sally Kosgei would often dance with her both in university and years later when they met again in Zimbabwe.

Kalonzo added that Beryl remained a strong and courageous woman throughout her life and service on the African continent.

“And it is also known that she loved dancing. My sister Sally Kosgei, who is also in this audience, was her dancing mate. We have heard that even when they met later in Zimbabwe, they still shared that bond,” she added.

Dating Beryl

While narrating his memories, Kalonzo reflected humourously on why he believed he could never have dated Beryl during their campus years.

Kalonzo said that after hearing tributes describing how the Odinga daughters carried themselves like royalty, he realised that a student like himself would never have imagined approaching the Vice President’s daughter romantically.

He stressed that he never attempted to pursue her and focused instead on the privilege of having worked alongside her in later years.

“This sister who has died was a brave woman. But you know, Senator Kajwang’, was it you who challenged us about where we were? Did people like Kalonzo have any chance when it came to having a date or something with the Vice President’s daughter after all? Because we have heard here from her sister Ruth that when they were together, they used to behave like royalty,” he added.

Kalonzo also acknowledged Beryl’s illustrious career and dedication to Africa, noting that images of her with leaders, including the President of Zimbabwe, reflected the calibre of her service and commitment.

“So I had no chance in dating her, and I never even tried. But we thank God that we were able to serve together. And this sister served the African continent. If you look carefully, there have been photos of her with the President of Zimbabwe,” he added.

Beryl Achieng Odinga died on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, as confirmed by her elder sister, Ruth Odinga.

Her passing came only weeks after Kenya mourned the death of her brother, Raila Odinga. Beryl left behind her children, Ami, Auma, Chizi and Taurai. By Steve Ireri, K24