In a moment that reminded the nation of the true essence of leadership, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Hon. James Wandayi on Tuesday paid a solemn visit to the family of the late Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, offering comfort during one of their darkest hours. His presence—calm, empathetic, and profoundly human—spoke volumes in a way no official statement ever could.
The heartbreaking death of Beryl Achieng’ Odinga has sent waves of grief across the country. To those who knew her, she was a warm, kind, and grounded soul whose gentle spirit left a mark on everyone she encountered. Her passing has created a painful void within a family that has long been at the centre of Kenya’s political and social life. And in that moment of deep loss, Wandayi chose not to lead with rank, but with heart.
At the Odinga home—an address that has witnessed Kenya’s political triumphs and tragedies—Wandayi’s visit carried emotional weight far beyond protocol. He arrived not as a high-ranking government official flanked by pomp, but as a brother, a neighbour, and a fellow Kenyan standing in solidarity with a grieving family. His condolences, delivered with sincerity and quiet respect, reflected the nation’s collective sorrow and reaffirmed the timeless truth that grief respects no titles.
For a country often longing for leaders who understand the human experience beyond the political arena, this gesture was a powerful reminder that public service can—and must—be personal. Wandayi’s willingness to sit with the bereaved, to pray with them, and to simply be present demonstrated a brand of leadership anchored in empathy rather than optics. It is the kind of leadership that heals, unites, and reassures a nation navigating uncertain times.
The Odinga family, whose life stories have intertwined with Kenya’s own for decades, now mourns a daughter whose journey ended far too soon. Beryl’s passing has become a shared national heartbreak, and Wandayi’s visit symbolised Kenya’s collective mourning. In moments like these, political lines fade, leaving behind a shared humanity defined by compassion and solidarity.
Wandayi’s gesture also offered a sobering reflection on what leadership in Kenya should embody. Too often, leaders seem distant from the emotional landscapes of the people they serve. Yet, by stepping into the Odinga home, Wandayi reminded the nation that leadership is not only about policy, development, or public speeches—it is also about walking with citizens through the valleys of sorrow.
For the Odinga family, the grief is immeasurable. Losing Beryl—beloved daughter, cherished sister, treasured friend—is a wound that words can scarcely soothe. Wandayi joined countless Kenyans in praying for God to grant the family peace, strength, and courage in this season of mourning. His message, gently delivered and deeply felt, resonated far beyond Kisumu and Siaya, touching hearts across the country.
As Kenya reflects on this tragic loss, Beryl will be remembered not just for her life, but for her love—her warmth, her humility, her humanity. And in honouring her memory, Kenyans stand united with the Odinga family, praying that her soul may find rest and her family find the strength to face the days ahead.
Hon. James Wandayi’s visit was more than a condolence call—it was a reminder that the nation’s greatest leaders are those who show up when it matters most. It was leadership in compassion, leadership in presence, leadership in humanity.
May the soul of Beryl Achieng’ Odinga rest in eternal peace.
R.I.P Nyar Kawuor.
By James Bwire Kilonzo, Media and Communication Practitioner.
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