The ex-wife of Fidel Odinga, Lwam Getachew Bekelle, has reignited a long-dormant family matter by moving to claim her late husband’s unclaimed financial assets. Fidel, the eldest son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, died mysteriously in 2015. His ex-wife’s decision comes just days after the passing of Raila, Kenya’s long-serving opposition leader.
According to a gazette notice dated Friday, October 17, the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) listed Bekelle among several individuals who have applied to be administrators of unclaimed estates. The move positions her at the center of renewed attention on the Odinga family’s private affairs.
The Authority confirmed that Bekelle’s application seeks to manage the late Fidel’s finances currently held in a local bank. The assets had remained unclaimed for nearly a decade, and the Authority has now opened a 30-day window for anyone with a counterclaim to contest Bekelle’s application.
Steps Lwam Bekelle Must Take to Reclaim Fidel Odinga’s Assets
According to UFAA, any person seeking to administer the estate of a deceased individual must follow strict legal procedures. The process involves filling out prescribed forms, obtaining official documentation, and presenting a letter of no objection from other beneficiaries.
In its public notice, the Authority stated that if no objection is filed within 30 days, the assets will be released to the applicant. “The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority has received claims for unclaimed assets from the following persons claiming as administrators of the estates of deceased persons and agents of the original owners,” the notice read.
It further added, “Unless an objection to the claims is lodged at the offices of the Authority within thirty days from the date hereof, payment will be made to the aforementioned person.”
This legal step effectively gives Bekelle the opportunity to secure the funds, unless a family member or another beneficiary contests her claim within the given period. The development comes at a sensitive time for the Odinga family, who are still mourning the loss of their patriarch, Raila Odinga.
Fidel and Lwam Bekelle’s Troubled Marriage
Fidel Odinga and Lwam Bekelle tied the knot in 2012 in an elegant ceremony attended by close family members, political allies, and friends. Their union symbolized a bridge between Kenya and Eritrea, marking a moment of optimism in the Odinga household.
The couple welcomed a son in 2013, strengthening their bond. However, their marriage quickly deteriorated. Barely two years after the wedding, the couple separated in 2014. The reasons behind their split were never made public, but their divorce was widely reported.
Before marrying Bekelle, Fidel had been married to Veronica Wanjiru. His marriage to Bekelle, therefore, was his second. Following the divorce, there were no official reports of Fidel remarrying before his sudden death in January 2015.
Fidel’s Death and Its Political Undertones
Fidel Odinga’s death shocked Kenya. The 42-year-old was found dead at his home in Nairobi, prompting an outpouring of grief and speculation. Many viewed him as a potential heir to Raila’s political legacy, and his passing marked a painful chapter in the Odinga family’s history.
His body was discovered under unclear circumstances, leading to minor protests in Nairobi and Kisumu. Investigations were conducted, but no conclusive report was ever made public. His death left a void in the Odinga family, both emotionally and politically.
Now, nearly ten years later, the issue of Fidel’s unclaimed assets has re-emerged. Bekelle’s application, though legally sound, raises questions about timing—coming just after Raila’s own passing. Some observers believe her move may be an attempt to secure her and her son’s financial interests before other family members begin dividing the Odinga estate.
Family sources have remained silent on whether they intend to contest Bekelle’s claim. However, the law gives them the right to object within the 30-day notice period.
Public Reaction and Family Silence
The development has attracted mixed reactions among Kenyans online. Some have expressed support for Bekelle, saying she has every right to reclaim what belongs to her late husband. Others argue that since she and Fidel divorced before his death, she should have no claim over his estate.
Legal experts, however, clarify that the issue depends on whether Fidel legally designated her or their child as a beneficiary. If so, her claim could stand regardless of their marital status at the time of his death.
The Odinga family has not issued any public statement on the matter. Close allies of the family maintain that the focus remains on mourning Raila’s death and preserving his political and personal legacy.
Still, Lwam Bekelle’s application may open a new chapter in the Odinga family’s legal and inheritance matters—a reminder that even in Kenya’s most powerful political families, questions over wealth and succession remain deeply personal and complex.
