The family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is once again in mourning following the death of his cousin, Job Odima Atinga, a former senior officer in the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
His passing has drawn condolences from family members, friends and those who knew him for his years of public service, with many remembering his contribution to Kenya’s security sector.
The news of Atinga’s death was announced by Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, who said family members had gathered at Alego Kakan in Siaya County to mourn the veteran intelligence officer. She described his death as a painful loss to both the family and the country, saying he dedicated many years of his life to serving Kenya with commitment and professionalism.
In a condolence message shared on Friday, July 31, Ruth paid tribute to Atinga’s long career in public service and praised the values that guided his work.
“This evening, I came to Alego Kakan to sit with the family of my late cousin, Mr Job Odima Atinga, as we mourn his untimely passing,” Ruth said in a statement.
According to Ruth, Atinga served the country with distinction as a senior officer in the National Intelligence Service before his final posting at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nyanza Regional Office. His career spanned many years, during which he worked in roles focused on protecting the country’s peace and security.
She said Atinga was respected by colleagues because of his professionalism, discipline and willingness to serve without seeking public recognition. Ruth noted that much of his work was carried out quietly, yet it played an important role in strengthening the country’s security institutions.
“Job served this country with distinction as a senior officer in the NIS, and his final posting at the DCI Nyanza Regional Office demonstrated a life that was dedicated to the peace and security of our nation,” she said.
“His was a career built on integrity, courage, and quiet, selfless service to Kenya,” Ruth added.
Beyond his career, Atinga was remembered as a devoted family man whose passing leaves a significant gap among his loved ones. Ruth extended her condolences to his widow, Syprose Odupe Atinga, and their children, assuring them that the wider Odinga family would stand with them during the difficult period of grief.
“To my sister-in-law, Syprose Odupe Atinga, and to Job’s children. Our family grieves with you. We will continue to walk with you through this difficult season.”
The death of Atinga comes at a time when the Odinga family is still recovering from a series of painful losses experienced over the past year. The family has faced repeated moments of mourning that have deeply affected relatives and supporters across the country.
In October 2025, the family suffered its biggest loss following the death of Raila Odinga. The veteran politician died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while taking a morning walk in Kerala, India. His passing marked the end of a political career that spanned decades and attracted tributes from across Kenya and beyond.
Only a few weeks after Raila’s death, the family was again thrown into mourning following the passing of his sister, Beryl Achieng Odinga, in November 2025 after a prolonged illness. The consecutive bereavements made it a particularly difficult period for the family as they continued to cope with the loss of close relatives.
Atinga’s death now adds to that list of recent family tragedies. As relatives gather in Siaya County to mourn him, many are reflecting on his years of dedicated service and the legacy he leaves behind. His career in the intelligence and investigations sector earned him respect from those who worked alongside him, while his family remembers him as a humble man who remained committed to both his profession and his loved ones.
