While Raila and his brother Oburu Oginga built prominent political careers, and their elder sister Ruth Odinga has served in several political positions, Beryl has preferred a quiet life, focusing on her education and professional career.
Beryl Achieng is the daughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s first wife, Mary Auma. She is both a professional teacher and a trained lawyer.
Unlike her siblings, she has not been heavily involved in politics, which partly explains why many Kenyans know little about her.
Speaking at her brother Oburu Oginga’s birthday celebration in Siaya County, Beryl revealed that she is the only Odinga sibling who studied entirely in Kenya.
Beryl shared that her interest in law came partly because she struggled with mathematics in school. She wanted a career that did not involve heavy arithmetic, and law seemed to fit her interests.
During the celebration, she also mentioned that she was a university classmate of former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, showing that her educational background was strong and connected to Kenya’s political circles.
Despite keeping a low profile, Beryl has held important positions in her professional life. In 2020, she was appointed as the Chairperson of the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC), a role that placed her in charge of one of Kenya’s key public utilities. Her career shows that she has achieved success on her own terms, balancing public service with her private life.
Beryl’s personal life has also been marked by challenges. In 1974, she married Otieno Abala, a real estate businessman who later pursued a career in politics. Unfortunately, their marriage faced several difficulties.
Reports indicate that Beryl experienced domestic abuse during the marriage. Abala also passed away unexpectedly in 1985 due to a heart attack at Kodiaga Prison in Kisumu.
Raila Odinga, in his book The Flame of Freedom, described the struggles Beryl faced in her marriage, suggesting that Abala may have used the Odinga family name to advance his political ambitions.
Despite these challenges, Beryl has remained strong and focused on her career. She rarely attends political events or speaks publicly about political issues.
When she does appear, it is often to support family events or celebrate milestones of her siblings.
She herself has said that most people know her elder sister Ruth, but not her, emphasizing her preference to remain private.
Tags:
Family