Tension briefly disrupted the burial of Beryl Achieng Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, after Ida Odinga halted the proceedings to reprimand a group of noisy youths gathered outside the main tent.
The incident drew attention due to the Odinga family’s long-standing political influence in Nyanza and the high-profile nature of the ceremony, which brought together local leaders, relatives, and community members.
The disruption occurred midway through the service when murmurs and shouting from a section of young people outside the tent interrupted the programme.
According to statements made publicly by Ida Odinga during the ceremony, the group was believed to include students from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. She urged them to stop the disturbance, stressing that the moment required dignity and calm.
In her remarks, Ida introduced herself as speaking on behalf of the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family and appealed for silence.
She told the group, “Young people outside the tent… I beg you to keep quiet. Let us send our sister in peace,” underscoring that the family had convened solely to honour the late Beryl Achieng.
She added that the funeral was not a political gathering, noting that support for various leaders should not be expressed in a way that disrupts a family’s grief.
Siaya funerals involving prominent political figures often attract large crowds, including youth mobilised by different political actors in the region.
Such gatherings have in the past seen minor disruptions when political interests overshadow the intended solemnity of the event.
Ida referenced this trend directly, telling the youth that their presence should not override the wishes of the bereaved family and cautioning them against using the platform for unrelated political expression.
She further noted that being students of the local university did not give them license to interfere with the ceremony.
“If you come here, that’s not your sister… please go away or keep quiet,” she said, insisting that respect for the family must take precedence. Her intervention lasted only a few minutes but was firm enough to restore order.
Following the exchange, the programme continued smoothly, with relatives and local leaders delivering tributes and urging unity within the community.